Global Wings: Where and How Ukraine Produces Drones Abroad

The large-scale deployment of Ukrainian unmanned systems production abroad has become one of the defining trends for the country's defense-industrial complex (DIC). In 2026 alone, 10 joint ventures and manufacturing plants are scheduled to open across Europe to mass-produce Ukrainian-designed systems.

This approach bypasses logistical risks, attracts Western capital, secures access to scarce components, and simplifies European certification.

🌍 Production Geography: Where Ukrainian Drones Are Assembled

Ukrainian defense companies actively establish joint ventures (JVs) or launch their own production lines in partnership with Western firms. The primary manufacturing hubs include:

1. Germany (The Core Technology Hub)

Germany has emerged as the frontrunner in signed agreements, providing facilities for both reconnaissance systems and interceptor drones.

• Quantum Frontline Industries: A joint venture established by Germany’s Quantum Systems and Ukraine’s Frontline Robotics. It is scaling up the mass production of the Zoom and Linza 3.0 UAVs, aiming for at least 10,000 units annually.

• Interceptor Drones: Ukraine's TAF Industries teamed up with Germany's Wingcopter to manufacture the Kolibri interceptor, while WIY and Quantum Systems are co-producing the WIY STRILA anti-shahed drone system.

2. The United Kingdom

The UK was among the first to deploy high-volume assembly lines for Ukrainian tactical complexes.

• The Ukrainian company Skyeton, in collaboration with Britain's Prevail Partners, established a joint venture to mass-produce and modernize the combat-proven Raybird (ACS-3) reconnaissance system.

• Additionally, production lines for UAVs designed by UkrSpecSystems (such as the SHARK reconnaissance drone and the Octopus anti-drone system) have been localized in the UK.

3. Finland

The Nordic track specializes primarily in Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and advanced defense software.

• The Ukrainian enterprise TENCORE, cooperating with Finland’s INSTA, manufactures the TerMIT ground drone.

• Remtecnology (Ukraine) and New Paakkola Oy (Finland) have set up joint assembly for the LEGIT robotic platform.

4. Denmark & The Netherlands

While Denmark pioneered direct funding for weapon production inside Ukraine, parallel efforts focus on external manufacturing sites.

• The MITS Industries consortium (uniting Ukrainian tech teams Tencore, Infozahyst, and Unwave) works alongside Danish partners to manufacture electronic warfare (EW) modules and drone components.

• Ukraine's Culver Aerospace partners with Denmark's Copenhagen Global A/S to scale the manufacturing of Skif mapping and reconnaissance drones.

5. Latvia

As a leading nation in the international "Drone Coalition," Latvia integrates Ukrainian long-range capabilities. Latvian facilities now host assembly lines for the AQ-400 Scythe long-range kamikaze drone, built through a joint initiative between SIA Baltic Forces and Terminal Autonomy Ukraine.

Expansion Horizons: Official memorandums have been signed to launch joint production of unmanned aerial and underwater systems with Norway, France, Romania, and Sweden. Furthermore, Ukrainian developers (including UForce, creators of the Magura maritime drones) are negotiating assembly sites in Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines to enter Asian defense markets.

🤝 Who Organizes the Process?

Building this international defense framework relies on a two-tier structure: state-level diplomacy and direct private-sector initiative.

                 ┌────────────────────────────────────────┐

                  │ STATE SUPPORT & ALLIANCES              │

                  │ • Strategic MoUs (OP / Minstrategprom) │

                  │ • "Build with Ukraine" financial track │

                  │ • EU SAFE Program (defense procurement)│

                  └───────────────────┬────────────────────┘

                                      │

                                      ▼

                  ┌────────────────────────────────────────┐

                  │ KEY BUSINESS PLAYERS (PRIVATE SECTOR)  │

                  │ • Ukrainian developers (software, tech)│

                  │ • Western defense contractors (plants) │

                  └────────────────────────────────────────┘

1. State Coordination and International Programs

• The Presidential Office and the Ministry for Strategic Industries (Minstrategprom): Major framework contracts are secured at the head-of-state level. Ukrainian leadership ensures political backing and signs bilateral agreements during diplomatic visits to Berlin, London, and other capitals.

• The "Build with Ukraine" Initiative: A specialized state framework designed to facilitate the opening of Ukrainian defense-industrial complex lines within allied nations.

• The European Commission's SAFE Program: This initiative allows Ukrainian defense firms to legally enter supply chains and procurement pipelines directly inside the European Union, removing typical bureaucratic barriers.

2. Private Business Initiative (The Main Driver)

Despite state facilitation, the private sector drives the bulk of the actual execution. Ukrainian drone developers possess a unique competitive edge: real-world combat experience and technology that adapts weekly to counter enemy electronic warfare.

Western defense contractors (such as Quantum Systems, Helsing, Diehl, and Prevail Partners) serve as vital partners. They supply existing manufacturing plants, workforce, financing, and help secure licensing under strict NATO standards.

Concurrently, many Ukrainian drone manufacturers operate as agile tech startups, establishing facilities abroad independently to bypass internal red tape and rapidly scale deliveries for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Note: this information is indicative and should be verified.