Key facts
- Ukraine aims to sign defense deals with at least seven NATO countries by the end of the year.
- These agreements, termed 'drone deals,' encompass more than just drones, including expertise and components.
- Ukraine has already signed similar deals with six countries, including three Middle Eastern states, Azerbaijan, Latvia, and Lithuania.
- The initiative leverages Ukraine's experience in drone warfare and defense against drone attacks.
- Ukraine is also pursuing the development of a European missile defense system.
Ukraine is actively seeking to expand its role as a military technology provider by aiming to sign defense agreements with at least seven NATO countries by the end of the year. This strategic shift, termed 'drone diplomacy,' goes beyond just drones to include the transfer of crucial experience, knowledge, and access to components.
In recent months, Kyiv has already secured such deals with six nations. Three are Middle Eastern states—Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar—who sought Ukrainian support after facing drone threats. Azerbaijan, along with NATO members Latvia and Lithuania, have also entered into agreements. Davyd Aloian, deputy secretary of Ukraine’s Security Council, emphasized that these deals cover a broader scope than just drones, focusing on the integrated systems and operational knowledge.
The initiative aims to leverage Ukraine's extensive experience in defending against and utilizing drones, particularly in the context of threats from sophisticated weaponry like Iranian Shahed drones. Ukraine offers an ecosystem of products and expertise for organizing air defense and developing strike drone capabilities, as noted by analyst Mike Kofman. While the direct delivery of drones is currently limited by Ukraine's own defense needs, the agreements focus on assessment, operational advice, and the potential for future procurement based on available capacity.
Ukraine's focus is now shifting towards NATO partners, especially those geographically closer to Russia and Ukraine, who face increasing threats from drones. Latvia and Lithuania have already signed deals, with Latvia announcing a joint drone production facility. Aloian expressed optimism about signing more agreements, potentially at the upcoming NATO leaders summit in Ankara, with the goal of reaching seven NATO country deals by year-end.
Beyond drone technology, Ukraine is also prioritizing the development of a European missile defense system, a critical area where its air defenses are currently vulnerable due to the cost and scarcity of systems like the US-built Patriot. This ambition reflects a broader European realization of the need to bolster its own security with potentially less U.S. support in the future, a sentiment echoed by Ukraine's Ambassador to NATO, Alyona Getmanchuk, who has observed a significant shift in how allies perceive Ukraine's potential as a security provider.