Ukraine has asked New Zealand to join a military drone production partnership as Kyiv expands efforts to export battlefield-tested technology developed during its war with Russia.
Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko said Wellington has had a formal request since December 2025 and confirmed he has discussed the initiative with Defence Minister Chris Penk and former minister Judith Collins.
“They have the proposal on the table,” Myroshnychenko told New Zealand’s state-owned media RNZ.
Myroshnychenko added that bilateral security agreements have helped unlock similar collaborations with other countries.
‘Starting Point’
Ukraine has previously said that 20 countries have already expressed interest in its drone cooperation programs, while Germany, Canada, Norway, and Japan have signed formal agreements.
Myroshnychenko stated that Kyiv’s approach with New Zealand would involve development and technology exchange, although Ukraine continues to restrict exports of certain military technologies.
“A drone deal is a starting point for creating those joint ventures,” he said. “We’re trying to figure out a way how to release that technology.”
Penk confirmed the proposal remains under review.
“Those matters remain under consideration by defence officials and no decisions have been made at this stage,” he said.
Stepping Up Partnerships
Kyiv has intensified defense diplomacy as combat drones play an increasingly central role in the war with Russia and other conflicts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously said Ukraine is “ready to deliver” defense technologies developed on the battlefield.
Ahead of Myroshnychenko’s announcement, the Pentagon revealed it had already sent personnel to Ukraine to study drone warfare and incorporate lessons into its own military development.
Separately, Ukraine has held discussions with US-aligned Middle Eastern countries on potential cooperation involving air defense systems and Ukrainian-made drone interceptors.
Kyiv’s drone systems have been proven effective against Iranian-built Shahed drones, which Russia has adapted into its Geran one-way attack platforms used extensively in Ukraine.
