Марія Бровінська Weapon 29 April 2026, 08:23

How Ukrainian arms manufacturers will soon sell their inventions to other countries: Ukraine has determined the rules for selling weapons to foreign markets and is ready to open exports under one condition

Ukraine is moving to a practical model of arms exports. The corresponding decision has already been agreed at the level of state institutions, and the process itself will be coordinated by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky after an expanded meeting. This is about a systematic launch of exports — with clear rules, control and a new format of cooperation with partners.

Surplus up to 50% and export rate

According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian defense industry has already reached a level where certain areas have up to 50% excess production capacity.

This is the result of large-scale investments in defense-tech and cooperation with international partners. At the same time, the principle remains unchanged: the Ukrainian military will have priority.

«Ukrainian companies will have a real opportunity to enter the markets of partner countries, provided that our military has the right to take the necessary amount of weapons first,» Zelenskyy noted.

In fact, the state is implementing a model where exports are possible only after the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are fully covered.

Drone Deals: Exporting Not Only Weapons, But Also Expertise

A key element of the new strategy will be the «Drone Deals» format — special interstate agreements that involve more than just the sale of products.

This is a broader model of cooperation: production and supply of drones, missiles, ammunition and equipment, integration of Ukrainian solutions into partners' systems, exchange of technologies and transfer of combat experience.

In fact, Ukraine offers partners access to solutions proven in modern warfare — along with expertise in their application.

Automatic permits and less bureaucracy

A separate focus is on simplifying procedures for business. The government plans to introduce automatic export permits to reduce approval times and minimize corruption risks.

«We are simplifying bureaucratic procedures, maintaining a sufficient level of export control, and launching practical content for the work of companies,» the president emphasized.

The process will look like this: first, an intergovernmental agreement is concluded that defines the framework of cooperation, after which work is launched at the level of state bodies and manufacturers.

Who will not be sold weapons?

In parallel, the state is forming restrictions. The President instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, together with intelligence and the Security Service of Ukraine, to determine a list of countries to which exports will be prohibited.

The main criterion is any cooperation with Russia.

«This is a serious challenge — to prevent our technologies and weapons samples from reaching the Russians,» Zelenskyy noted.

Who will control the process and how?

Export coordination will be carried out by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, which will also ensure that the needs of the Defense Forces are met as a priority.

The volume of necessary weapons will be determined by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the General Staff. Only what manufacturers are able to produce in excess of the state order will be exported.

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