The United States has begun testing Ukrainian-made aerial and maritime drones, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirming the development. The testing marks significant progress on a long-stalled drone-production deal between the two countries.
The deal, valued at $35 billion to $50 billion, would establish a 50-50 production venture with the US, drawing on up to 200 Ukrainian companies. Zelenskyy noted that the testing is underway and receiving positive feedback, paving the way for the next stage of the drone deal.
The development comes as Ukraine faces a shortage of Patriot interceptors, with the US having depleted its stocks during the war with Iran. Ukraine has been seeking a license to build its own Patriot interceptors, which the US pledged to provide at the NATO summit in Ankara.
