Ukraine and US Negotiate 'Mega Deal' for Drone Arsenal Swap

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is negotiating a "mega deal" with the US, which would allow Ukraine to exchange its small drone arsenal for more advanced American weapons. The US would purchase Ukrainian-made drones, while Ukraine would buy American weapons. Zelensky hopes to convince President Trump to provide more advanced hardware to Ukrainian forces. The deal is not certain, and it remains to be seen how much the US will commit to it.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in talks with the U.S. to strike a potential "mega deal" that involves exchanging Ukrainian-made drones for advanced American weapons. This agreement, if finalized, would bolster Ukraine's military capabilities while also providing the U.S. with combat-tested drone technology [2].

The proposal, discussed in an interview with the New York Post, suggests that the U.S. would purchase Ukrainian drones, while Ukraine would acquire American weapons. Zelensky emphasized the importance of this deal, stating that "the people of America need this technology, and you need to have it in your arsenal" [2]. This arrangement would align with the U.S.'s evolving military strategy, which has increasingly prioritized drones and long-range missiles over conventional assets [3].

Leonardo, an Italian defense group, has also expressed interest in providing drone technology to Ukraine but has no plans to establish a factory in the country. Instead, Leonardo will produce drones in Italy in cooperation with Turkish firm Baykar, which already works with Ukraine [1]. This technological contribution could enhance the effectiveness of Ukrainian drones, making them more capable in combat.

The deal is not yet certain, and the specifics remain unclear. However, if successful, it could significantly impact the balance of power in the ongoing conflict. Zelensky has also been exploring similar deals with other European countries, such as Denmark, Norway, and Germany [2].

References:

[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/leonardo-may-offer-drone-tech-but-has-no-plans-for-plant-in-ukraine-ceo-tells-paper/articleshow/122404500.cms

[2] https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/ukraine-considering-offering-drones-to-us-in-exchange-of-weapons-zelensky-8896425

[3] https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-102/