Bloomberg reported on 19/5, citing an anonymous US official familiar with the matter, that the Pentagon has requested to test various Ukrainian defense products. These include unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and electronic warfare systems, with the aim of considering their purchase for use.
During discussions between the two countries, Ukraine emphasized that its weapons have been extensively tested in real combat conditions. However, the US still wants to evaluate the products itself before making a decision.
"The US also appears to want a transfer of crucial technologies, potentially including access to intellectual property to replicate those devices, as part of an agreement awaiting approval from the highest political leadership", the source stated.
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Ukraine's Bober UAV at an undisclosed location on 16/5. Photo: AFP |
Ukrainska Pravda, citing another source, also reported that the US sent a draft letter of intent earlier this month. This letter proposed testing Ukrainian military products before considering signing a contract.
"Thanks to the work with the US Department of State and the Pentagon, a draft framework document has been developed and is currently under review by various agencies from both sides. We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation to strengthen the military forces of both nations", stated Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's Ambassador to the US.
The Ukrainian Embassy declined to answer specific questions regarding the technology transfer agreement. The Pentagon has not commented.
The information suggests that the US is keen to learn from the drone expertise Ukraine has accumulated over more than 4 years of conflict with Russia.
By combining new technologies and tactics, Ukraine has conducted attacks deep within Russian territory. These actions have slowed or repelled enemy advances and inflicted significant damage on energy infrastructure.
US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll previously praised Ukraine's drone network operating system as "amazing". "This system fully integrates every drone, sensor, and firing device into a single network. Our system cannot do that", he stated during a hearing before the US Senate Armed Services Committee earlier this month.
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A US E-3 early warning aircraft after an Iranian strike, pictured at Prince Sultan base on 29/3. Photo: Airbus |
Reuters reported in April, citing sources, that the US had "deployed the Sky Map air defense command system" at Prince Sultan military airport in Saudi Arabia. This deployment followed the base sustaining heavy damage from a retaliatory strike by Iran.
This anti-drone system is capable of synthesizing data from radars and sensors to detect approaching threats. Ukrainian military officials reportedly visited Prince Sultan base to train US soldiers on how to use the technology.
By Pham Giang (Based on Bloomberg, Ukrainska Pravda, Reuters)
