US startups are collaborating with Ukrainian manufacturers to develop superior drones for the Pentagon.

US defense startups have partnered with Ukrainian manufacturers to produce better, war-tested drones for the US military. The Americans have invested billions of dollars in venture capital to develop small drones that are essential for modern conflict. However, many of these drones are costly and have not performed well. Meanwhile, Ukrainian UAV manufacturers have excelled in mass-producing drones that are significantly cheaper and resistant to electronic interference. Consequently, the US Department of Defense has taken notice of joint Ukrainian-American initiatives.

Last year, CX2, a California startup, signed an agreement to integrate its software and sensors with Ukrainian UAVs. The resulting drone model has received endorsement from the US military and may soon be supplied to the US army.

Currently, the US can produce up to 100,000 UAVs annually, whereas Ukraine manufactured over two million drones last year. Some UAVs are capable of flying hundreds of kilometers and have been utilized in attacks deep into Russian territory.

To transform the drone sector into a driver of economic growth post-war, Ukrainian startups are working to attract customers and investors from the US.