...

Parliament Approves Import Incentives for Fibre-Optic-Guided Drones

by Roman Cheplyk
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
2 MIN
Parliament Approves Import Incentives for Fibre-Optic-Guided Drones

Two laws provide duty-free and VAT-free entry of cables and components for domestic UAV assembly and repair

Legislative Package

Bill No. Focus Core Measure Votes “For”
13305 Customs Code Zero-rate import duty on optical fibres, harnesses and related cables destined for UAV production/maintenance 302
13306 Tax Code VAT exemption on identical imports when linked to security-and-defence contracts 303

The Verkhovna Rada instructed the Speaker to sign both texts immediately and forward them to the President.


Practical Impact for Manufacturers

  • Cost relief – Elimination of duty and VAT lowers input prices for Ukrainian drone assemblers.

  • Supply-chain acceleration – Simplified clearance procedures reduce lead times for critical cable imports.

  • EW resilience – Fibre-optic control links are immune to jamming, addressing a technological gap with Russian FPV variants.


Implementation Notes

  1. Eligibility – Benefits apply to enterprises that import fibre-optic lines specifically for UAV production or repair.

  2. Customs identification – Importers must reference designated HS codes and confirm end-use at time of declaration.

  3. Duration – Valid upon presidential signature; sunset provisions to be set in follow-up Ministry of Finance guidance.


Strategic Context

  • Operational need – Russia’s extensive use of wired FPV drones has prompted Ukraine and NATO to prioritise counters and domestic equivalents.

  • Local R&D momentum – Over 20 certified Ukrainian fibre-optic drone models have emerged since January 2025.

  • Broader portfolio – Measures dovetail with earlier VAT/duty exemptions for UAV airframes, optics, comms modules and explosives, creating a comprehensive incentive suite.

Domestic manufacturers now have a clearer cost base for scaling production of jam-resistant drones—a critical capability for frontline operations.

You will be interested