Ukraine’s participation at this year’s International Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas has been nothing short of a global sensation, positioning the country as a formidable player in the global robotics market. Talented engineers, a robust component base, and advanced manufacturing capabilities have earned admiration from the global tech community, establishing Ukraine as a highly sought-after partner for the development, production, and implementation of unmanned solutions. In just 2.5 years, Ukraine has achieved a remarkable breakthrough, scaling up drone manufacturing to over 300,000 new robotic devices per month.
For the first time in the exhibition’s 10-year history, Ukraine was represented by a diverse array of companies that have already proven their expertise on the international stage through innovative solutions. The Ukrainian pavilion featured: DroneUA, Futurology, BavovnaAI, RadioBird, KARA DAG, FREEUA, FarmFleet, Boxo Ukraine, and Piranha Tech. These companies acted as ambassadors and technological diplomats, representing Ukraine’s burgeoning ecosystem alongside the Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco. The collaboration between business and government entities demonstrated Ukraine’s clear leadership in UAV robotics.
Over the three days, the event — the largest dedicated to the commercial use of drones in North America — hosted a series of expert sessions that shone a spotlight on Ukrainian innovations. Day one showcased Ukraine’s technological ecosystem in modern robotics, demonstrating the country’s tremendous potential in rapidly scaling its production capabilities. Special attention was given to the role of these technologies in Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts across various sectors.
The second day of the Commercial UAV Expo marked a significant milestone for Ukraine, as Ukrainian engineering innovations gained widespread recognition from global exhibitors. During the media pitch session, two teams from the Ukrainian pavilion — BavovnaAI and FreeUA — were selected as finalists to present their projects to a panel of editors and reporters, all in search of the most unique and innovative solutions. Ultimately, BavovnaAI stood out, winning the competition against 15 other participating companies.
Ukraine’s unparalleled leadership and expertise in deploying drones for agricultural use across the European market laid the groundwork for the roundtable discussion, "From Detection to Action: Drones and Agriculture in the United States." Moderated by Valeriy Yakovenko, co-founder and managing partner of DroneUA, and Ashley Hanson, head of unmanned aircraft systems at John Deere, the session drew 60 participants. Lively discussions centered on the evolving regulations surrounding agricultural drones, modern business practices, the efficiency of unmanned technologies in farming, resource management, and workforce recruitment, along with future prospects for the industry. The collaborative exchange helped form a unified, forward-looking vision for the industry’s development over the coming years.
The event culminated with the presentation of the Fleet of Millions platform, an initiative spearheaded by Ukrainian companies that serves as a launchpad for innovators in unmanned technology. This unique platform offers access to one of the world’s largest ecosystems for the development of robotics. The Ukrainian ecosystem, which unites drone manufacturers and specialized component suppliers, was represented alongside government agencies such as the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco. These experts participated in a panel discussion titled, "Fleet of Millions: Ukrainian Secrets of Mass Drone Production," showcasing how the coordinated efforts between government and private enterprises have propelled Ukraine to global leadership in creating million-drone fleets in record time.
The expert discussions were kicked off with a video message from Ukraine's Vice Prime Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, who highlighted the government’s efforts to transform the concept of drone use. He stated:
"The government's role is to establish clear guidelines and create an environment where innovations can thrive, rather than being confined within rigid frameworks. We have already laid out a strategic plan for the development of the innovation sector for the next 10 to 30 years. Ukraine’s experience, its brilliant engineers, and favorable tax and legal conditions for business development are the foundation for collaboration and investment in the country."
Additionally, Ukraine's diplomatic missions are actively ensuring the nation’s strong presence on international platforms by fostering key partnerships. Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco, Dmytro Kushneruk, emphasized:
"Today, Ukraine is leading the way in UAV technology development. Our primary goal is to establish meaningful dialogue between Ukraine and the United States, which is already evident in the high-quality communication between Ukrainian businesses and American manufacturers. It’s crucial that Ukrainian companies have the opportunity to integrate into global markets, establish partnerships with manufacturers and suppliers, and build new alliances with international, including American, businesses. Therefore, we must not only support existing innovations but also focus on rapidly and efficiently creating new ones to maintain a competitive edge in unmanned technology. Currently, the country is developing new products aimed at scaling production and advancing technologies that can be applied in the United States."
Currently, Ukraine is widely utilizing drones in various sectors, including industry and security. This extensive implementation of technology presents both a remarkable achievement and a challenge for further industry development. As noted by a representative from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the focus moving forward will be on striking a balance between security needs and the commercial use of drones.
The Ukrainian pavilion, now a central hub for innovative Ukrainian businesses, has successfully showcased the country’s competitiveness in developing and producing unmanned solutions. Ukraine’s expertise is already being applied in many countries worldwide. The phrase “Made in Ukraine, Designed in Ukraine” has come to symbolize leadership and an unwavering commitment to progress despite challenges.
Looking ahead, the Ukrainian Pavilion will become an annual feature at the Commercial UAV Expo, representing more Ukrainian companies, fostering new collaborations with international businesses, and strengthening the global technology sector with cutting-edge Ukrainian innovations.
