Export of maritime drones… Kyiv’s weapon to expand its international influence

25th September 2025

3 minutes read

Export of maritime drones… Kyiv’s weapon to expand its international influence

In a new development in its defence-industrial trajectory and diplomatic outreach, Ukraine has announced its readiness to begin exporting certain weapons systems, foremost among them maritime drones that have proven effective in disrupting the Russian fleet in the Black Sea.

Although the idea may seem unusual amid an ongoing war, Kyiv — according to a Business Insider report — views the move as a means to simultaneously bolster its military, economic and diplomatic capabilities.

President Volodymyr Zelensky explained that exports will be limited to systems produced in quantities exceeding domestic needs, such as remote-controlled naval boats and anti-tank weapons. He added that proceeds from sales will be directed to the development and production of aerial drones, which the Ukrainian military describes as the most in-demand weaponry at the frontlines.

Zelensky stressed that priority will remain meeting the fighters’ needs and ensuring adequate internal stocks, while implementing safeguards to prevent Ukrainian technology from reaching the enemy’s hands. “During wartime no one wants to take risks, but we need resources to produce the weapons essential for the front — foremost among them, drones,” he said.

New export platforms
The president revealed that Kyiv will soon offer three export platforms tailored to the United States, Europe and other partner countries. He emphasized that Ukraine does not intend to supply “charitable weapons” but will work only with states that supported its independence and assisted it in the fight against Russia.

This shift marks a significant change in Ukraine’s export policy, which had been tightly restricted in recent years. Defence-industry leaders argue that opening exports will spur innovation, increase production capacity at lower cost, and yield direct benefits for the armed forces’ strength.

A leap in domestic manufacturing
According to the report, Ukraine’s defence industries have experienced a boom during the war: locally manufactured equipment rose to 30 percent of the army’s inventory last year, and Zelensky aims to raise that share to 50 percent by the end of 2025.

Officials acknowledge, however, that production capacity exceeds what the defence budget can absorb, making exports a logical option to put excess capacity to work efficiently.

Maritime drones… a game-changer
Suicide remote-controlled boats have played a pivotal role against the Russian fleet, used for direct strikes, missile launches, intelligence gathering and mine-laying. They have given Ukraine an offensive maritime capability despite lacking a conventional navy.

When integrated with missiles and other systems, these assets forced Russia to pull a significant portion of its naval forces out of the Black Sea — a notable strategic shift achieved at a fraction of the cost of deploying warships.

Growing NATO interest
Ukraine’s successes have drawn NATO partners’ attention. Western firms are developing similar technologies, European navies have been testing maritime drones in the Baltic, and the U.S. military is exploring their offensive potential while training its vessels to counter drone boat attacks.

General Christopher Cavoli, the NATO Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, has described Ukraine’s use of maritime drones as “an indicator of the character of future wars,” noting that unmanned systems will play a central role in forthcoming naval combat.