Zelensky: Ukraine's 'Drone Deal' to Include at Least 10 Arms Export Agreements with Global Partners

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on April 19 that the country's proposed 'Drone Deal' arms export package will include at least 10 different agreements covering weapon exports, joint production, construction of manufacturing lines in Ukraine and abroad, and joint technology development with partner nations.

What Is the Drone Deal?

The Drone Deal is a comprehensive Ukrainian defense export package centred on anti-drone warfare systems, which Zelensky described as unique to Ukraine because of the country's hard-won combat experience. The package includes drone systems, mass attack interception capabilities, other air defense systems, and electronic warfare solutions — a bundle that became far more attractive to Middle Eastern partners after the Iran-Israel conflict erupted.

"This is a brand today — 'Made in Ukraine' — and it carries a high price. Not just in money and technology, but in the lives of the operators who used these systems," Zelensky said.

Middle East Partnerships

Ukraine has already signed 10-year agreements with three key Middle Eastern countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, which include annual funding commitments. Requests have arrived from 11 countries across the region. Zelensky noted that the offer he originally proposed to US President Donald Trump — which Trump did not accept at the time — had now become highly relevant due to the Middle East conflict.

European Partners

On the European side, Zelensky named Germany, Norway, Italy, the Nordic countries, Sweden, and the Netherlands as partners where defense cooperation is underway or expected. He expressed confidence that the UK and France would also become part of the Drone Deal framework.

Weapons Export Formula

In a separate statement from the same interview, Zelensky outlined his approach to weapons exports: Ukrainian companies should prioritize supplying the front line first, and only afterward export to partner nations. Priority among partners goes to the largest donors and countries that have supported Ukraine throughout the war.