Why US needs Ukrainian drones: Expert explains
Ukrainian drone (photo: Getty Images)
The Pentagon is focused on confronting China, particularly on a possible conflict in the South China Sea near China’s coast and around Taiwan. Relevant scenarios have been modeled for several years, according to a report by RBC-Ukraine.
Ukrainian know-how interests the Pentagon
"The Chinese army is massive. Expensive weapons on both sides, God forbid, if this confrontation begins, will be used up within a few months. There will be a need to produce and use what can be made cheaply and in large quantities. That is why our solutions and know-how are interesting," emphasized Oleksandr Saienko, commander of the 67th brigade in 2022–2023 and former military attaché in France.
Joint work with Ukraine is already underway. This year, the Pentagon launched the Artemis initiative, with the goal of creating affordable, mass-produced platforms to counter threats in potential conflict regions.
Among the first four companies that received contracts, two are Ukrainian. Their names are not disclosed for security reasons, but the US Department of Defense reported that they will work together with American software developers Swan and Auterion.
Long-range drones
In mid-October, Auterion reported successful tests of the long-range drone Artemis ALM-20.
According to The War Zone, in October, the drone underwent combat trials in Ukraine, including launch from the ground, navigation with and without GPS, long-range transit, and ground activation. American evaluators confirmed its effectiveness, allowing the project to move to scaling.
"At the strategic level, the Reaper (reconnaissance and strike UAV – ed.) can stay airborne for a whole day. At the level of individual border guards, a small group of patrols can use a cheap drone for situational awareness," Saienko explained.
Interceptor drones
Another direction is the use of interceptor drones, which are crucial for protecting military facilities and civilians.
As Russian attacks on Europe this autumn have shown, even a few UAVs can paralyze airport operations. These challenges will intensify during the FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the US, Canada, and Mexico next year, so the US needs ready-made solutions.
A key advantage of Ukrainian drones is the incorporation of the latest combat experience. Unlike American systems, which are primarily developed under testing conditions, Ukrainian systems are constantly tested in actual combat.
The US wants to buy Ukrainian drones
Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that his country is interested in Ukrainian drones and plans to purchase them. It has been repeatedly reported that the US seeks to acquire drones produced in Ukraine.
It is also known that Ukraine and the US held talks on the supply of American weapons and joint drone programs.
Additionally, a delegation from Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, along with the Ministry of Defense, visited the United States to discuss the potential purchase of Ukrainian drones and opportunities for security cooperation.
Ukraine is preparing to sign an agreement with the US on the transfer of technologies for the production of drones that have been tested in combat conditions.
Meanwhile, in October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the country is open to selling its drones, and the US will receive certain types of them.
