Ukraine may allow drone exports despite the needs of the Armed Forces, - FT.

Ukraine plans to lift the ban on drone exports, which was introduced following the Russian invasion in 2022. This decision is made with the aim of attracting additional funds for the production of drones, which are urgently needed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian army needs drones for reconnaissance, defense, and attacks. However, in the limited state resources, it is impossible to fully meet these needs.

Oleksandr Marikovsky, head of the Verkhovna Rada subcommittee on economic issues, stated that drone exports could bring Ukraine up to 20 billion dollars in revenue - "exactly the money we lack".

The situation is complicated by the fact that Russia has significantly increased its arms production. Ukrainian experts estimate Russia's advantage in drones on the battlefield from 5 to 10 to 1. The head of the Ukrspecsystems company, Dmytro Khazapov, stressed that Ukrainian military personnel are in dire need of drones.

Ukraine's state budget for arms in 2024 amounts to only 6 billion dollars, of which one-third is allocated for drone purchases. This is insufficient for the needs of the front. Ukrainian drone manufacturers face problems with short-term contracts and lack of long-term guarantees for investment in the development and testing of expensive components.

Some Ukrainian companies have already started manufacturing their products in Poland to bypass export restrictions. Marikovsky noted that this could lead to a talent drain and reduced tax revenue.

The Roboneers company, which produces drones, electronic jamming systems, and cargo vehicles for frontline troops, reported winning state tenders at prices that only cover production costs. However, the biggest problem for Ukrainian companies remains funding research and developing new technologies.

The lifting of the drone export ban is expected to attract financial support from Western partners. Some countries have already promised to provide funds for the purchase of drones for Ukraine, but these programs are still at an early stage.

Earlier it was reported that the Netherlands will invest 400 million euros in developing drones for Ukraine.