Official: Ukraine still only user of drones rather than full-fledged manufacturer

High-ranking Ukrainian official Kyrylo Budanov has warned of the risks posed by the country's drone production's heavy dependence on foreign components and imported equipment.

The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, who assumed the role at the beginning of 2026, was cited by Ukrainian media outlet, as Caliber.Az reports.

“All our cutting-edge defense technologies, drone technologies and so on — whose component base is it? What is actually Ukrainian in there? Even the 3D printer on which most parts are produced is not ours… We are users, nothing more,” Budanov said.

He also shed light on the loss of certain critically important production capabilities, particularly in the field of guidance systems. Budanov recalled that Ukraine's forces were once in possession of those capabilities but "lost" them. 

"Until we develop our own — especially guidance systems — we will face serious problems,” the official warned.

Budanov further spoke about how shortages of components and supply restrictions continue to hinder the full development of Ukraine’s tank and missile programs.

By Nazrin Sadigova