Ukraine Produces First Thousand Fully Domestic FPV Drones

Ukraine has taken a major step towards self-sufficiency in drone production, with the first batch of fully Ukrainian-made FPV drones now completed. The batch, consisting of one thousand 8-inch thermal imaging drones, was produced by Vyriy Drone and commissioned by the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection. These drones will be deployed as part of the Army of Drones project, strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities with homegrown technology.

Unlike previous models that relied on imported components, this new generation of FPV drones is built entirely from Ukrainian-made parts, including flight controllers, radio control systems, video transmitters, and cameras. This shift away from foreign reliance is a result of a long-term strategy to localise production, ensuring Ukraine’s defence industry remains resilient. The transition was also accelerated by China’s tightening export controls on drone-related technologies.

Vyriy Drone has confirmed its commitment to continuing the production of fully Ukrainian drones under future contracts. The company has developed domestic manufacturing capabilities for key components, reducing costs and increasing supply chain security. The locally produced drones are not only reliable but also more cost-effective compared to imported alternatives, with an estimated price of 30,000 UAH per unit.

Ukraine’s Deputy Defence Minister, Valeriy Churkin, emphasised that the government is prioritising local production of unmanned systems. The ministry is currently working on tax incentives for high-tech manufacturers, with a decision expected in the coming months. Plans are also in place to scale up domestic drone production and standardise their use in the armed forces.

The move towards full localisation marks a significant milestone for Ukraine’s defence sector. Previously, assembling drones with Chinese components provided economic advantages due to tax exemptions under martial law. However, with rising security concerns and increasing restrictions on foreign supplies, Ukrainian manufacturers have been forced to innovate and adapt.

Vyriy Drone revealed that in just six months last year, the company lost approximately 100 million hryvnias due to challenges in sourcing foreign components. The shift to fully domestic production not only addresses these supply chain vulnerabilities but also strengthens Ukraine’s ability to sustain its military operations independently.