Ukraine to Supply Drones to U.S. in Exchange for Advanced Weapons — Parliamentary Speaker Stefanchuk

Ukraine is preparing a deal under which it will sell domestically developed drones to the United States in exchange for modern American weapons, according to Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

In an interview with the “My — Ukrayina” TV channel, Stefanchuk said global defense sectors are increasingly looking to Ukraine’s experience in both drone production and counter-drone technologies.

He added that Ukraine’s defense industry is expected to unveil new developments this fall, with backing from several Western countries.

Stefanchuk cited Danish and Czech support models, in which governments either fund or directly supply weapons to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

He also stated that Ukraine is expecting a “mega deal” with the U.S. under which Washington would purchase Ukrainian-made drones, while Kyiv would acquire state-of-the-art American weapons systems.

“This is a completely new chapter, where we are beginning to position ourselves as a security provider for the world,” Stefanchuk said. “We have unique experience, advanced technology, and innovative defense products to offer our partners.”

Such reciprocal defense agreements are common for the United States. In the 2000s, for example, the U.S. acquired PZL M28 Skytruck aircraft from Poland through a military assistance and cooperation program. A few years later, it agreed to supply F-16 fighter jets to Poland.

At the time, the U.S. military was seeking lightweight, multi-role aircraft for operations in remote areas, including Afghanistan.

Special Operations Command used the M28, designated C-145A Skytruck in U.S. service, to transport personnel and cargo in mountainous terrain. The U.S. took delivery of 17 such aircraft, which remained in service until the early 2020s. Some were later transferred to partner nations, including Kenya.