Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex has taken a historic step by officially exporting its own ready-made combat unmanned aerial vehicles for the first time. F-Drones has successfully completed the delivery of 2,000 F10 strike FPV drones for the Armed Forces of the United States. This event marks a new stage in the development of Ukrainian arms exports, opening the door to the sale of complete combat systems rather than only separate components or technologies.

Historic contract and its significance

The contract, which became a turning point, was signed as part of the first phase of the ambitious American Drone Dominance program. The Ukrainian F10 drone, presented in the United States by UDD Tech Corp, demonstrated its high combat performance during the Gauntlet I trials held at Fort Benning military base in Georgia. Out of 25 trial participants, the Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle placed sixth, making it into the group of 12 winners that secured the right to further cooperation. As a result, F-Drones received an order to manufacture and supply 2,000 drones, while UDD Tech Corp was selected to participate in the next stage of the program — Gauntlet II.

The entire batch of F10 drones has already been delivered to the United States. The American side is now carrying out the official acceptance procedure, after which the contract will be considered fully executed. This became possible thanks to the export permit for the F10 batch issued on July 1, 2026, by Ukraine’s State Export Control Service. F-Drones carefully completed all required state export control procedures, receiving approval from the Interdepartmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation and Export Control Policy. The drones have already crossed Ukraine’s state border en route to their new owner.

It is important to note that this permit was obtained before the entry into force of new decisions by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine aimed at further simplifying the export of defense-related products under martial law. This means that F-Drones acted within current legislation, going through the full standard cycle of approval procedures.

A new stage in Ukraine’s defense exports

Until now, export permits in Ukraine have mostly concerned individual technologies, components, or services related to the defense industry. The first export decisions for ready-made combat drones produced in Ukraine during martial law became a precedent. This opens up new prospects for Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex, which aims to enter the international market with its advanced products.

On July 1, 2026, the Ukrainian government introduced the first effective mechanism for exporting Ukrainian weapons. Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov announced the creation of a clear, unified procedure that sets transparent rules for the state, manufacturers, and partner countries. This mechanism is designed for countries participating in the Drone Deal program, which will now be able to directly purchase Ukrainian weapons and technologies and work directly with Ukrainian manufacturers.

The road to this decision was long and difficult. For several years, industry associations of arms manufacturers had persistently called on the government to create favorable conditions for exports, while top officials repeatedly announced and postponed the implementation of relevant legislative initiatives. This breakthrough was the result of consistent work aimed at integrating Ukraine into the global security system and strengthening its position as a reliable supplier of modern defense solutions.

Prospects and challenges

The successful completion of the F-Drones contract and the issuance of export permits for ready-made combat drones demonstrate the growing competitiveness of Ukraine’s defense industry in the global market. The high quality, innovation, and adaptability of Ukrainian products, especially in the field of unmanned technologies, have already proven their effectiveness.

However, the further development of arms exports will require continuous improvement of the regulatory framework, encouragement of innovation, and active efforts to promote Ukrainian defense products in international markets. An important component of success will be the support of international partners who see Ukraine as a reliable ally and supplier of advanced defense technologies.

Despite the challenges of ongoing aggression, Ukraine is demonstrating the ability not only to defend itself effectively, but also to develop its own defense potential, becoming a significant player in the international arms market. The export of ready-made combat drones is only the first, but extremely important, step in this direction. It is evidence that Ukrainian developments can compete with products from leading global manufacturers, and that Ukrainian companies are capable of providing stable, large-scale deliveries of high-tech products for defense needs. The development of this area will contribute not only to strengthening the country’s defense capabilities, but also to economic growth, the creation of new jobs, and attracting investment into the defense sector.