The Ukrainian company F-Drones exported two thousand F10 combat drones to the United States under a contract with the Pentagon. This export became the first instance of permitting the export of complete combat drones from Ukraine during martial law.
The State Service of Export Control of Ukraine issued a license for the first time for the export of ready-made combat drones produced in Ukraine. The delivery was made under a contract signed as part of the Drone Dominance program supported by the U.S. government. Previously, export permits were only related to technologies or their components. F-Drones received the license even before the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers introduced new simplified procedures for the export of military products.
The company F-Drones is known for its drone models such as F7, F10, and the interceptors “Shahed” LITAVR. Drone production began in 2023, and through its American branch, Ukrainian Defense Drones (UDD), the company plans to open a factory in the United States, investing $18.4 million in the project. The factory, which will create over 300 jobs, will be located in the town of Holland, Ohio.
On July 1, 2026, the Ukrainian government approved a mechanism for the export of weapons, allowing their supply to partner countries within the framework of the Drone Deal program. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov noted that this mechanism introduced clear procedures regulating the interaction between the state, manufacturers, and international partners. This step opens up new opportunities for Ukraine in the international arms market.
| Indicator | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of drones | 2000 units |
| Program | Drone Dominance |
| Investment | $18.4 million |
| Manufacturing location | Holland, Ohio, USA |
| Number of jobs | 300+ |
