Ukraine and Finland sign drone production deal to expand defense cooperation

Ukraine and Finland signed a drone cooperation agreement on Sept. 23 aimed at expanding defense and security cooperation between the two countries.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Finnish President Alexander Stubb signed the agreement during a meeting in New York.

According to the Finnish government, the deal will enable Ukraine and Finland to exchange drone-related technology and data, conduct joint research and development, and launch joint drone production projects.

The agreement is also intended to simplify administrative procedures, including export licensing, to speed up the transfer of defense materials between the two countries.

“Ukraine has developed its own defense capabilities and industry in a way that we in Finland have much to learn from,” Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said.

He added that the agreement was not only a way to support Ukraine but also a step toward preparing Finland’s armed forces and defense industry for increasingly technology-driven warfare.

Zelenskyy said the agreement was “an important step” toward strengthening the two countries’ partnership and their ability to jointly protect their populations.

During the meeting, which was also attended by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, the leaders discussed preparations for winter and measures to protect Ukraine’s energy infrastructure from Russian attacks.

Zelenskyy said strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses ahead of winter remained a key priority.