U.S. seeks to test Ukrainian drones and EW systems before committing to a deal

“The U.S. Department of Defense has asked to test a range of Ukrainian defense products, including drones and electronic warfare systems, as Washington is considering their potential purchase for military use,” Bloomberg wrote, citing an unnamed official.

“Growing interest from the United States shows how the world’s largest military is looking to tap into the drone expertise that Ukraine has acquired over four years fighting against the Russian invasion.”

Ukraine has emphasized the effectiveness of its systems in combat, saying its development of drones and new tactics has allowed its armed forces to strike targets deep inside Russia and to hold off numerically superior enemy forces. But Bloomberg reported that U.S. officials want to evaluate the equipment on U.S. territory, using U.S. forces, before making further decisions.

U.S. officials are particularly interested in AI–based terminal guidance systems for UAVs, navigation that works without GPS, jamming-resistant comms, and the combat doctrine for using drones, the sources said.

“The United States also appears interested in getting access to critical technologies and, potentially, intellectual property rights that would allow it to replicate the kit, according to the person,” Bloomberg added.

On May 12, CBS News, citing sources, reported that U.S. and Ukrainian officials had prepared a memorandum outlining terms of a potential drone deal.