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Ukraine Eyes Joint Drone Factories in Europe by Easing Export Ban
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
![Photo of Tetiana Frolova]( "Photo of Tetiana Frolova")
Ukraine is assessing options to partially lift its embargo on arms exports, particularly in the drone sector, to enable joint production projects with European partners, according to Defense News on September 9.
Ihor Brusylo, foreign policy adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, told Defense News that Kyiv is working on a mechanism that would allow cooperation with countries of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).
“The embargo remains in place, but we are working on a formula that would allow it to be lifted for certain industries, including drones, for possible cooperation and production with JEF countries,” Brusylo said.
The JEF includes ten nations: the United Kingdom, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway. Although not a stand-alone military alliance, the group was established to provide rapid deployment capabilities in crisis situations and support NATO or UN operations.
Brusylo noted that the framework under review would prioritize Ukraine’s defense needs during wartime. “So long as the war continues, all the production would be sent back to Ukraine for use by our troops, but once the situation stabilizes and the war is over, production would be split 50-50,” he explained.
Ukraine was granted “enhanced partnership” status with the JEF in May but has not yet achieved full membership. “Becoming a full-fledged member of the JEF was a goal we had for this year, which unfortunately has not yet materialized as some countries still had some reservations. … I am hopeful Ukraine will gain membership in the next year,” Brusylo told Defense News.
He added that membership would allow Ukraine to participate directly in JEF exercises and expand knowledge-sharing with European partners. Kyiv argues that its battlefield experience could strengthen collective defense capabilities without requiring JEF members to become involved in active hostilities.
In June, lawmakers from eight Northern European countries, including the UK and Baltic states, issued a joint letter supporting Ukraine’s full participation in the JEF. They stressed that if NATO could not advance Ukraine’s membership, the JEF should take steps toward greater integration.
Ukraine’s path to NATO remains uncertain. As Politico reported last year, several alliance members—including Germany, the United States, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Belgium, and Spain—opposed immediate membership. Ukrainian officials now present closer alignment with the JEF as an interim step toward eventual NATO accession.
Earlier, Ukrainian drone manufacturer Ukrspecsystems announced a $250 million investment to build a new production facility in Mildenhall and a testing site in Elmsett, Suffolk, according to Norwich Evening News on September 8.
The project, set to start production in 2026, is expected to create hundreds of jobs and provide opportunities for former Lotus Cars employees affected by recent layoffs.
