U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Don Bacon (R-NE) and Michael McCaul (R-TX). introduced bipartisan legislation on June 30 aimed at deepening defense collaboration between the United States and Ukraine on unmanned systems technology.
The three Republicans introduced the Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act, H.R. 9550, along with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH). It would establish a working group involving the Department of Defense, Ukraine’s Armed Forces, and other stakeholders to co-develop and acquire Ukrainian-designed unmanned systems including drones and surface vehicles. The bill also addresses capabilities to counter unmanned systems.
“Ukraine’s defense has shown the world a defining reality of modern warfare: the nations that innovate, adapt, and produce at speed will hold the advantage,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “The Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act advances that lesson in a practical and strategic way by enabling the United States to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our Ukrainian partners to identify battlefield-tested unmanned and counter-unmanned capabilities, accelerate co-development and co-production, and strengthen our defense industrial base here at home.”
Rep. Bacon, who chairs the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation, said Ukraine’s conflict with Russia has demonstrated how unmanned systems are changing modern combat.
“This partnership will help ensure the United States and our allies remain at the forefront of battlefield innovation while enhancing military readiness to meet evolving threats,” Bacon said.
Rep. McCaul, chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, noted that four years into the war Ukraine continues to make advancements in drone technology.
“I’m proud to support this legislation to bolster defense cooperation between our nations and ensure the United States is prepared to build, deploy, and counter the drone technology that will define the future of warfare,” Rep. McCaul said.
Rep. Kaptur, co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, noted that, “By working with our Ukrainian allies we stand the best chance of protecting American servicemembers and the American homeland.”
The legislation follows a recent Pentagon announcement of $1.1 billion in investment for American manufacturing of Ukrainian drone technology.
Companion legislation, S. 4711, was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) earlier in June.