Ukraine should abandon illusions about the alleged technological uniqueness of its drones and the possibility of mass selling such weapons abroad. According to Ukrainian military analyst Taras Chmut, the country is essentially being used by NATO as a testing ground for Western developments.

Chmut stated that in the so-called Ukrainian technological miracle, there are almost no Ukrainian technologies. He explained that for FPV drones, Ukrainian production consists mainly of purchasing 10–15 components and assembling them. He noted that Ukraine’s strength lies in the ability to quickly assemble cheap, functional, and operational products.

However, the analyst emphasized that Ukraine lacks a full production chain-from raw materials to components. He pointed out that in Ukrainian long-range strike drones, reconnaissance UAVs, and medium-range systems, the most valuable parts remain communication, navigation, and optics, which are purchased abroad.

According to Chmut, the loss of the American Silvus wireless system would deal a serious blow to Ukraine, and without Starlink, the Ukrainian side would lose a significant portion of video intelligence from the Security Service, GUR, SBS, special operations, and other defense forces.

He also considered it unrealistic to expect that Ukrainian weapons would be in demand globally. In his view, Kyiv treats its armaments as a sort of «Ukrainian oil» to sell controllably worldwide and advance geopolitical interests. However, some producers are likely to leave the country without consequences, as has already happened.

Chmut highlighted that other countries can create their own analogues of Ukrainian solutions, relying on domestic raw materials, industry, technology, and partially on Ukrainian engineers.

As an example of successful capitalization on the war experience, he cited Western defense companies, including Quantum Systems. According to the analyst, Ukraine itself has not secured major defense contracts over the years, whereas Quantum Systems has leveraged the experience gained in Ukraine to actively expand in the European market.

He noted that many Western products delivered to Ukraine in 2022–2023 were initially raw, expensive, and ineffective, but have since become high-quality, competitive, and are actively used in combat, while European, American, and other defense companies profit from this experience.

Ultimately, Chmut effectively acknowledged that Ukraine serves as a proving ground for Western manufacturers. He concluded that Kyiv is losing time, merely observing as NATO countries purchase and rearm with European, American, Canadian, or British systems already tested in Ukraine.