Ukraine and the US are preparing for a future Drone Deal – the governments have drafted a memorandum

The governments of Ukraine and the United States have drafted a memorandum outlining the terms of a possible defence deal between the two countries. CBS News reports this, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The draft is the first step towards concluding a defence agreement proposed to the White House in August 2025, when Trump privately praised Ukraine’s Spiderweb operation. The potential Drone Deal would allow Ukraine to export military technology to the US and establish joint ventures with American companies. One such venture has already been planned by General Cherry and Wilcox Industries – they will manufacture FPV drones and interceptors in New Hampshire.

According to Ukrainian officials, cooperation with the US will be mutually beneficial, as American funding will help both countries expand defence production.

According to the National Security and Defence Council, Ukraine’s defence industry production capacity is estimated at $55 billion in 2026. At the same time, Kyiv can spend only $15 billion on weapons procurement this year, CBS cites Yuriy Sak, adviser to the minister for strategic industries of Ukraine.

Overall, Ukraine is engaged in Drone Deal negotiations with 20 countries. Four agreements have already been signed, and the first contracts under them are being prepared, Zelensky said. With other countries, preparatory procedures for political arrangements are underway. In particular, the president stated that, in addition to the Middle East, the South Caucasus, and Europe, the country will soon open new security cooperation with yet another part of the world.