Ukraine could share jet-powered drone interception technology with partners, Budanov says

Ukraine could offer partner nations access to its newest technologies for intercepting jet-powered drones, according to Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate, as reported by Ukrinform.

Budanov said countries that have active agreements with Kyiv on cooperation in the field of unmanned systems could negotiate access to Ukraine's latest counter-drone technologies, developed in response to Russia's deployment of jet-powered drones during the war.

The comments point to Ukraine's growing role as a source of battlefield-tested defense technology, developed under the pressure of ongoing combat with Russia, and highlight efforts by Kyiv to deepen defense-industrial cooperation with international partners.

Context

Russia has increasingly employed jet-powered drones alongside slower propeller-driven models during its war against Ukraine, presenting new challenges for air defense systems designed to intercept aerial threats travelling at greater speed. Ukraine has in turn accelerated development of its own counter-drone capabilities throughout the conflict, often sharing lessons learned with Western allies supplying it with military aid.

Budanov did not name specific countries currently in negotiations for access to the technology, according to the available reporting, nor did he detail the terms under which such technology-sharing arrangements might be structured.