The State Customs Service of Ukraine reported that in the first 3 months of 2025, civilian drones worth $371.3 million were imported into Ukraine. This is 39% and $103 million more than in the first quarter of last year.
The State Customs Service of Ukraine reported that in the first 3 months of 2025, civilian drones worth $371.3 million were imported into Ukraine. This is 39% and $103 million more than in the first quarter of last year.
Customs officials noted that 98% of all imported drones were granted customs duty exemptions.
China remains the largest supplier of civilian drones to Ukraine. In the first quarter of 2025, 125,700 drones, or 98% of the total, were imported from China.
Last year, Ukraine imported drones worth $1.17 billion, and components for them worth $134.8 million. In 2023, imports of drones and components amounted to $440.7 million and $16.86 million, respectively.
In March 2025, the State Customs Service of Ukraine reported that in January and February 2025, 297.1 tons of drones were imported for a total of $232.3 million and components for them for $43.4 million.
The publication «Military» reminds that the Ukrainian military and Russian occupiers often use commercial civilian drones for reconnaissance, artillery adjustment, and direct enemy strikes. The most popular models among the military of the Defense Forces are Chinese drones:
Recall that in 2023, the government simplified the import of components for military equipment — without permission from the State Export Control Service. The decision covered the import of components specially designed or modified for military use.
