Ukraine and U.S. hold technical negotiations on drone procurement deal

The delegation included representatives from the NSDC and the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.

The main goal of the visit was to conduct technical negotiations to prepare the signing of the drone procurement deal. The agreement envisions the possibility of creating joint Ukrainian-U.S. production lines.

Umerov highlighted that the Ukrainian delegation had a series of meetings with Pentagon officials, members of the U.S. Congress, and representatives of all branches of the U.S. military.

The discussions focused on deepening strategic cooperation and utilizing the surplus capacity of Ukrainian drone manufacturers by selling part of their products, as well as on joint modernization and the development of new platforms.

“Ukraine is now a global leader in drone technologies, and our experience generates significant interest among allies," NSDC secretary noted.

"This concerns not only aerial systems, but also naval drones and ground robotic complexes, in the development and use of which Ukraine has unique practical expertise.”

He added that the delegations also discussed the PURL mechanism — financing the purchase of American weapons using funds provided by European partners.

Umerov added that Ukraine discussed with the U.S. its 2026 weapons supply plans and the potential to increase volumes.

On Sept. 29, Ukraine’s public broadcaster Suspilne reported that the Ukrainian delegation arrived in the U.S. to take part in a meeting dedicated to joint drone production, led by Deputy Defense Minister Serhii Boiev.

On Aug. 19, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced agreements with U.S. President Donald Trump that, after export restrictions are lifted, USA will purchase Ukrainian drones.

On Aug. 21, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine prepared and proposed to the U.S. a $50-billion, five-year drone deal, with plans to produce 10 million drones annually.