Recent data indicates that Ukraine manufactures more than 4 million drones each year and could potentially double this figure if provided with adequate financing.
On Wednesday, Ukraine established a governmental procedure to export its armaments, aiming to secure funding during the fifth year of conflict with Russia, while affirming that its defense requirements will continue to be prioritized.
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This year, Kyiv shared its military expertise in combatting Russia with nations in Europe and the Middle East that have shown interest in Ukrainian drone and anti-drone technologies.
«The government has sanctioned the initial transparent framework for exporting Ukrainian weapons,» stated Ukraine’s defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, noting that countries will «be able to buy Ukrainian weapons and technologies directly from Ukrainian manufacturers.»
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned last month that Kyiv is negotiating defense accords with nearly 20 countries.
Since hostilities began, Ukraine has depended on its Western partners for the supply of various weapons.
Simultaneously, it has advanced its own technology, particularly related to drones and anti-drone systems.
Fedorov explained that the intention is to «draw international investment while ensuring that Kyiv’s military needs remain the top priority.»
«Exports can only proceed if there is a guarantee that the Ukrainian armed forces receive adequate supplies. If the state requires certain weaponry, approval may be denied,» he explained.
Although Ukraine sent its drone specialists to several Middle Eastern countries this year, it had limited weapon exports throughout the conflict with Russia.
In April, Zelenskyy disclosed that Ukrainian forces had intercepted and destroyed Iranian Shahed-type drones targeting states in the Middle East, marking his first public acknowledgment of Kyiv’s experts’ operational successes in the Gulf region.
«Our military experts, including those skilled in interceptor drones and electronic warfare, were deployed to the Middle East. We showcased to some countries the techniques for operating interceptors,» he revealed, outlining Kyiv’s strategy after reaching cooperation deals with Gulf nations.
Kyiv concluded decade-long agreements with three Gulf countries: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, under which Ukrainian firms will collaborate with local armed forces to secure specific facilities, Zelenskyy stated during a briefing on the Iran war.
«My responsibility is to negotiate the scale, services, and types of weaponry involved,» he declared.
He also confirmed ongoing negotiations with Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Later that month, Zelenskyy announced the opening of Ukraine’s arms export market globally.
Both foreign allies and domestic arms manufacturers have anticipated Ukraine’s move to establish an arms export procedure.
Currently, about 800 arms manufacturers operate in Ukraine, many of which have increased their output significantly, creating a substantial surplus.
Recent data shows Ukraine produces more than 4 million drones each year and could multiply this volume with enhanced financial support.
Domestic arms producers have been urging Zelenskyy for a year to remove limitations on selling their locally-made military equipment, mainly drones, to boost revenue streams.
Additional sources • AP, AFP