Mikkel Christensen
Ukraine is preparing to expand its defence industry beyond its borders.
Ukraine is preparing to expand its defence industry beyond its borders.
A newly approved framework could see Kyiv supply battlefield-tested weapons to selected partners at a time of rising global demand for drone warfare technology.
Export decision
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine has finalised plans to begin exporting weapons, marking a shift in wartime policy.
“The export of Ukrainian weapons will become a reality, we have approved all the details at the level of our state institutions,” he said, as reported by Euronews.
Select partners
Zelenskyy indicated that only countries that have supported Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion will be eligible.
The report notes the initiative will operate through so-called “Drone Deals,” covering both supply and joint production of drones, missiles and other systems.
Growing industry
Ukraine’s defence sector has expanded rapidly, with around 800 manufacturers now active.
Euronews reports that drone production has surpassed 4 million units annually, with capacity to increase further if additional funding is secured.
Controlled exports
Kyiv has spent months designing a regulated export system aimed at simplifying approvals while maintaining oversight.
Zelenskyy said companies would gain clearer access to foreign markets, though the Ukrainian military will retain priority for supplies.
Security limits
Authorities are also working to prevent sensitive technology from reaching hostile actors.
Zelenskyy said agencies will draw up a list of countries excluded from purchases due to links with Russia, calling it a “serious challenge” to safeguard military innovations.
Early deals
The “Drone Deals” model has already been tested with partners in the Middle East, Europe and the Caucasus.
Such agreements could involve local assembly, shared production lines or technology transfers, allowing partner countries to manufacture Ukrainian-designed systems domestically while supporting Kyiv’s industry.
Strategic shift
The move reflects Kyiv’s effort to convert wartime innovation into long-term economic and geopolitical leverage.
However, managing export controls while expanding globally may prove complex, particularly as demand grows and the risk of technology diversion remains high.
Sources: Euronews
