The United States is buying from Ukraine, a drone superpower born in the war, is it reality or illusion?
According to an exclusive report by the New York Post, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy revealed in an interview on July 16 that he was discussing a "huge deal" with U.S. President Trump: the United States will purchase Ukraine's "battlefield-tested" drone technology, and in exchange, Ukraine will buy a large number of weapons from the United States. This news has attracted widespread attention. Is Ukraine really as claimed, having risen as a military drone technology superpower in the Russia-Ukraine conflict? Is this transaction a result of real technological breakthroughs or a diplomatic game under the war situation?
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has lasted for three years, and drone warfare has become the most prominent method of combat on the battlefield. According to reports, Kyiv and Moscow conduct hundreds of air raids daily using drones carrying explosives, and drones have shown irreplaceable roles in reconnaissance, strike, and tactical coordination. Ukraine's rapidly iterated drone technology during the war, with low cost, high efficiency, and flexibility, has earned the reputation of "battlefield tested." In the interview, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is willing to share its accumulated technical experience in modern warfare, and called it a "transformative impact" on American military and national security.
Ukraine's drone industry has rapidly developed during the conflict, giving rise to locally developed drone models such as "Punisher" and "Rek." These drones are known for their low cost, easy production, and rapid deployment, meeting the needs of high-intensity war environments. Ukraine has also developed FPV (First Person View) drones for precise strikes, enhancing battlefield adaptability. In comparison, American drone technology is considered to lag behind China in certain areas, especially in low-cost, rapidly mass-produced tactical drones. Zelenskyy confidently stated, "The American people need this technology, you also need to include it in your arsenal."
If this deal is finalized, it will be a major breakthrough in U.S.-Ukrainian military cooperation. For the United States, acquiring Ukraine's drone technology can not only compensate for its shortcomings in the field of tactical drones but may also drive innovation in its defense industry. For Ukraine, purchasing a large amount of American weapons will enhance its defense capabilities and consolidate its strategic alliance with the United States. Zelenskyy emphasized that this is a "win-win" deal. However, the details of the transaction have not been made public, including specific drone models, procurement volumes, and the scope of technology transfer, which still require further negotiations.
Ukraine's drone technology demonstrated during the war is impressive, but whether its status as a "drone military technology superpower" is justified remains to be seen. On one hand, Ukraine has accumulated rich practical experience in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and its drones have performed well in intense confrontation, proving the reliability and innovativeness of its technology. On the other hand, Ukraine's industrial base and resources are limited, making it difficult to compare with traditional defense powerhouses. Ukraine's technological advantage lies more in tactical innovation and rapid iteration rather than a comprehensive industrial system. Its low-cost drones almost entirely rely on imported components from China, effectively being held hostage by China. To become a true "technology superpower," Ukraine needs to further improve its supply chain after the war and attract international investment.
Zelenskyy stated on July 17 that Ukraine is fully expanding its weapons production and plans to enhance its position in the global security field through new agreements with partners such as the United States. He proposed that Ukraine not only wants to become a top security donor but also hopes to join the ranks of the world's main arms manufacturers. This ambition shows Ukraine's desire to seize a share in the international defense market by leveraging its technological advantages gained during the war.
If the drone transaction between the U.S. and Ukraine can be realized, it will be a significant geopolitical and military achievement resulting from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ukraine's drone technology has been tempered in the fire of war, demonstrating its potential, but to become a true "drone military technology superpower" is still unrealistic. Americans want to make up for the shortcoming in low-cost drone technology, and Ukrainians want to sustain themselves through war, but their source is all Shenzhen Huqiangbei, which everyone understands.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7533128265309913641/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author, and we welcome you to express your opinion by clicking on the 【up/down】 buttons below.