Ukraine sources its drones from a mix of domestic production, foreign purchases, and donations. Here's a breakdown of where Ukraine gets its drones:
Domestic Production (Ukrainian-made drones)
Ukraine has rapidly scaled up local drone development, especially in response to the war. Some key systems:
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“Punisher” (by UA Dynamics): Small strike drone.
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“RAM II”: Loitering munition (kamikaze drone).
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“Leleka-100”: Reconnaissance UAV.
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“SHARK”: Recon drone with long-range optics.
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FPV drones: Thousands of small First-Person View drones assembled by Ukrainian volunteer groups and defense firms.
Ukraine has over 200 drone manufacturing companies as of mid-2024.
Turkish Drones
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Bayraktar TB2: The most famous foreign drone used by Ukraine. Purchased from Baykar (Turkey).
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First received in 2019.
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Extremely effective early in the war.
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Bayraktar Ak?nc?: Heavier, high-altitude drone — some deliveries reported in 2023–2024.
Baykar also announced plans to build a factory in Ukraine for local production.
U.S. Drones
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RQ-20 Puma: Reconnaissance drone.
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Switchblade 300/600: Kamikaze drones donated by the U.S.
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Phoenix Ghost: Loitering munition developed for Ukraine.
Lithuania
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Crowdfunded and donated several Bayraktar TB2s and smaller drones.
and others
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Various NATO members have donated surveillance drones, FPV kits, and training.
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Germany provided Vector drones by Quantum Systems.
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Poland has supplied Warmate loitering munitions.
Commercial Chinese Drones (unofficial)
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Widely used DJI drones (Mavic, Matrice) for reconnaissance and targeting.
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China has restricted military use exports, but both Russia and Ukraine still acquire them via third parties or grey markets.
