Ukrainian drone manufacturers are looking to capitalise on a surge in defence spending across Asia, pitching their combat-proven technology to countries increasingly concerned about regional security and China’s growing military assertiveness.
In April, the chief executive of UFORCE, a Ukrainian producer of attack drones, travelled to Tokyo to propose partnerships with Japanese officials and defence contractors. The company offered to help Japan manufacture thousands of drones for national defence and regional security operations.
The outreach forms part of a broader effort by Ukraine’s defence industry to expand beyond Europe and tap into growing demand from American allies in Asia, according to interviews with defence contractors and government officials.
Combat Experience Becomes a Selling Point
Ukraine’s drone industry has gained global attention during the war with Russia, where unmanned systems have played a crucial role in helping Kyiv withstand a larger military opponent.
UFORCE’s maritime drones have already demonstrated their capabilities in combat. The company’s Magura surface vessels have been used extensively in the Black Sea, while waterborne drones were recently employed by U.S. forces during a military exercise near the South China Sea.
“The impact is extremely similar,” UFORCE chief executive Oleg Rogynskyy said, comparing the strategic importance of maritime drone operations in Europe and East Asia.
Former Japanese defence minister Itsunori Onodera welcomed the prospect of cooperation, saying Japan requires equipment that has already proven effective in real-world combat situations.
Japan Accelerates Military Modernisation
Japan has significantly increased defence spending in recent years amid concerns that the conflict in Ukraine could foreshadow similar tensions in East Asia.
The push intensified after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office and encouraged domestic companies to expand weapons production, including unmanned systems.
Tokyo has allocated nearly $2 billion for drone systems in its latest defence budget and plans to increase annual drone production from roughly 1,000 units in 2024 to 80,000 by the end of the decade.
Ukrainian firms including UFORCE, Skyeton and General Cherry are seeking Japanese partners to manufacture military hardware for Asian markets.
“Japan is the best way to the Asian market,” said General Cherry co-founder Stanislav Gryshyn during a recent visit to Tokyo.
Taiwan and the Philippines Also in Focus
Several Ukrainian companies are also exploring opportunities in Taiwan, although discussions remain sensitive because Kyiv does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with the island.
Drones are expected to play a critical role in any future defence scenario involving Taiwan. American military planners have previously argued that large numbers of unmanned systems could help delay or complicate potential military action against the island.
Ukraine’s ambassador to the Philippines has also confirmed discussions with Manila regarding possible drone-technology cooperation. The Philippines has become one of Japan’s key defence customers as tensions continue in disputed waters of the South China Sea.
Technology Demonstrations and Partnerships
U.S.-listed Ukrainian drone software company Swarmer has already conducted demonstrations for a unit of Japan’s military.
According to company president Alex Fink, the late-April demonstration showcased artificial intelligence software capable of coordinating swarms of drones in search-and-strike missions.
The event was arranged by Japanese technology company Rakuten, whose founder has been among Japan’s most vocal supporters of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, surveillance drone manufacturer Skyeton has promoted its long-range systems as a potential solution for monitoring Japan’s more than 14,000 islands.
Reducing Dependence on Chinese Components
Beyond sales opportunities, Ukrainian companies are also seeking alternative suppliers for drone components to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing.
China remains a dominant producer of drone parts, including cameras, sensors and electronic components, but export restrictions have prompted Ukrainian firms to diversify their supply chains.
In May, the Ukrainian drone association IRON led a delegation to Taiwan’s industrial hub of Taichung to meet local manufacturers and identify potential suppliers.
Some partnerships may extend beyond component sourcing. Taiwanese company Jiin Ming Industry confirmed it is collaborating with a Ukrainian partner on a drone project that could eventually supply Taiwan’s own defence needs.
Expanding Ukraine’s Defence Footprint
Ukraine has increasingly used its wartime technological expertise to build defence partnerships abroad, securing cooperation agreements across Europe, the Middle East and now Asia.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier this year that Ukraine was prepared to share technologies such as maritime drones with Japan.
As Asian nations invest heavily in military modernisation, Ukrainian firms see an opportunity to transform battlefield innovation into long-term international partnerships.
“We would be happy for our drones to protect any country from invasion,” said IRON chief executive Volodymyr Cherniuk. “We know the best how it feels.”
(with inputs from Reuters)
