Companies that manufacture drones will have an opportunity to receive a grant from the state in the amount of 80% of the cost of the submitted project. The preferential regime for granting funds to such manufacturers will be valid throughout the entire controlled territory of Ukraine. The Government supported the decision at a meeting on 3 May 2024.
"The grant programmes implemented by the Government, in particular the grant programme for processing enterprises, are an extremely important component of the Made in Ukraine economic policy. The conditions created by the Government's decision for drone manufacturers will contribute to the development of this high-tech industry in all regions of the country. This means new jobs and taxes to the budgets of all levels. Finally, the increased demand for qualified engineering and IT personnel will encourage young people to study relevant professions. And this is critical for the future of the country's economy," said Deputy Minister of Economy Nadiia Bihun.
According to the decision, drone manufacturers will be eligible to use the grant funds to purchase, deliver, and install equipment. And their own funds, within the project cost, will be directed to replenish working capital. Under the terms of the grant programme for processing, the recipient must create a certain number of jobs, depending on the amount of the grant.
Prior to the Government's current decision, the preferential grant terms, under which the state financed up to 80% of the project cost and the manufacturer financed the rest from his/her funds could only be used by companies in the de-occupied territories.
In addition, the decision contains other changes. For example, it stipulates that the preferential terms for recycling grants for enterprises in Kyiv region will be in effect until the end of 2024. Currently, there is a great demand among the region's enterprises for participation in grant programmes, so receiving grants on favourable terms will have a positive impact on the socio-economic indicators of Kyiv region and the dynamics of recycling development in the region.
The Government has also intensified control over grant recipients' compliance with the terms of the agreement. In particular, a business that fails to create the number of jobs stipulated in the contract within the specified timeframe must return a proportionate amount of the grant to the state within 30 days of the violation being detected.