New U.S.-Ukraine Drone Alliance: Senators Introduce Bipartisan Defense Bill
A new bipartisan bill is set to deepen one of the most consequential aspects of modern warfare cooperation between the United States and Ukraine: unmanned systems.
What's in the Bill?
U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) have introduced the Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act. The legislation would establish a Strategic Defense Innovation Working Group, bringing together the Department of Defense, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and other key stakeholders.
Why It Matters
The Working Group would enable the U.S. to:
• Co-develop and co-produce cost-effective Ukrainian-designed unmanned systems
• Rapidly acquire drones and surface vehicles proven on the battlefield
• Build counter-drone capabilities to defend against enemy systems
Senator Rosen noted that after more than four years of defending against Russia's invasion, Ukraine has become a global leader in unmanned systems technology, and this partnership will strengthen the security of both nations. Senator Rounds emphasized that the bill creates the framework needed to bolster these capabilities for the U.S. and Ukraine alike.
Bipartisan Leadership
The American Ukraine Committee thanks Senators Rosen and Rounds for their bipartisan leadership in advancing this critical defense partnership and recognizing Ukraine's innovation on the battlefield.
We urge Congress to support the Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act and continue strengthening U.S.-Ukraine defense cooperation.
Tell Congress:
Do Not Lift Sanctions on Russia
Sanctions on Russia must remain in place until there is full accountability for its ongoing aggression against Ukraine and respect for international law.
Lifting sanctions prematurely would reward violations of sovereignty, weaken global security, and undermine the credibility of democratic institutions.
Sustained economic and political pressure is essential to deter further escalation and support a just and lasting peace.
Now is not the time to weaken resolve.
Sanctions must stay.