Ukrainian Drone Makers Court Japan, Taiwan for 80,000-Unit Defense Push
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Jun 19
Ukrainian Drone Makers Court Japan, Taiwan for 80,000-Unit Defense Push
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Jun 19
Summary
Ukrainian drone firms including UFORCE, Skyeton and General Cherry are seeking production partners and defense deals in Japan and exploring business in Taiwan, according to previously unreported talks and demonstrations.
Japan has become the main gateway because Tokyo is accelerating rearmament over China and Taiwan risks, allocating nearly $2 billion for drone systems and targeting annual output of 80,000 drones by decade-end.
UFORCE pitched Japanese officials in April to build thousands of attack drones, while Swarmer said Japan’s military hosted a late-April test using AI to coordinate a strike swarm.
Taiwan is also in focus as U.S. commanders argue drones could create an 'unmanned hellscape' to slow any Chinese attack, though Ukrainian firms are moving cautiously because Kyiv lacks formal ties with Taipei.
The push also aims to cut reliance on Chinese components: Ukraine’s IRON association took about a dozen members to Taiwan in May to find suppliers, and some executives said drones for the Philippines would likely be made in Japan.
Ukrainian drone manufacturers are shifting their focus to Asia, especially Taiwan and Japan, as demand for advanced unmanned aerial systems grows. Their battlefield-proven technology, developed in Ukraine’s intense conflict, gives them a unique advantage and makes their drones highly attractive to countries seeking to strengthen their defenses. Collaborations, like the one between Taiwan’s Jiin Ming Industry and a Ukrainian partner, show how Ukrainian companies are gaining access to new markets and manufacturing capabilities, while Asian partners benefit from real-world expertise. This strategic pivot is reshaping regional security and driving innovation in the global drone industry.