Ukraine to Export Surplus Naval Drones to Fund War Efforts

Ukraine is preparing to take an unusual step during an ongoing war: it plans to export surplus weapons, mainly naval drones and anti-tank systems, to raise funds for more urgent needs like aerial drones. At first glance, this may seem like a risky move. But for Ukraine’s leaders, it is a calculated strategy to balance the demands of the battlefield with the necessity of keeping its defense industry alive and expanding.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained that the program will be strictly controlled. Weapons will first go to soldiers at the front, then to domestic reserves, and only afterward to exports. This ensures Ukraine does not weaken its own forces. He stressed that Ukraine will only work with partners who have truly stood by the country, making it clear that there will be no “gun charity” for those indifferent to Ukraine’s struggle.

The plan includes creating three export platforms—one for the United States, one for Europe, and one for other countries that have shown genuine support. By doing this, Ukraine wants to secure new revenue streams while also strengthening trust with its allies.

This move also marks a significant change in Ukraine’s traditionally strict weapons export rules. For years, the country was cautious, but now leaders recognize that surplus production—especially of naval drones—offers a unique opportunity. Ukraine has already built more drones than it currently needs, and instead of reducing production, it sees value in selling the extra units to fund what is urgently lacking.

The naval drones themselves have already proven to be game-changing. These small, explosive-packed vessels have carried out attacks on the Russian Navy in the Black Sea, forcing Russia to scale back its operations. Beyond strikes, they have also been used for intelligence-gathering and even mine-laying. Their success has caught the attention of NATO countries, many of which are now exploring similar technologies.

Ukraine’s defense industry has grown rapidly despite the war. Last year, around 30% of military equipment used by Ukraine was produced domestically, and Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal to raise that to 50% by 2025. However, budget limits have slowed production. Exports could provide the funds needed to keep factories running at full capacity, driving innovation, efficiency, and scalability in weapons production.

Industry leaders are confident about the benefits. Serhiy Goncharov, head of the National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industries, believes that revenue from exports will not only keep production stable but also allow new breakthroughs in military technology. By selling surplus, Ukraine can maintain an industrial momentum that would otherwise stall under budget constraints.

The broader picture is clear: modern warfare now depends heavily on drones and unmanned systems. From sea drones to aerial strike drones, Ukraine has shown how effective these tools can be in reshaping the battlefield. U.S. and European militaries are paying close attention, with generals openly admitting that naval drones could transform future sea warfare.

In the end, Ukraine’s decision to export some of its weapons is not about weakening its defense—it is about strategic survival. By carefully selling what it has in excess, Ukraine can fund what it urgently needs, ensure its industry thrives, and continue reshaping the balance of power with innovative weapons.