Ukraine is preparing controlled arms exports: export-import platforms in Europe, the US, and the Middle East are to be operational by the end of 2025. The proceeds will go towards the purchase and production of the most scarce systems, primarily air defense and ammunition.
Ukraine is preparing controlled arms exports: export-import platforms in Europe, the US, and the Middle East are to be operational by the end of 2025. The proceeds will go towards the purchase and production of the most scarce systems, primarily air defense and ammunition.
According to Forbes Ukraine, the initiative envisages the launch of «key elements» of the system by the end of the year. Deputy Defense Minister Anna Hvozdiar said that export revenues would be directed to scarce weapons and the development of priority technologies. She also estimated the production potential of the drone and missile sector at $35 billion next year. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously said that exports would concern only surplus items and would not affect the provision of troops.
According to market participants, there is a surplus of naval drones, electronic warfare/electronic warfare equipment, ground robotic complexes, acoustic sensors, and UAVs of various types, primarily FPV. The most likely initial export directions are ATGMs and naval drones. The final lists and deadlines will be determined by the Ministry of Defense, taking into account the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Details of the mechanism are not yet disclosed for security reasons. At the process level, it is expected that the current permit system will be maintained through the Interagency Commission under the National Security and Defense Council and the State Service for Export Control. This should distribute risks and speed up typical cases. The Ministry of Economy is responsible for export control; together with partners, platforms for joint production and technology transfer are being prepared.
Entering foreign markets requires compliance with European standards and the rejection of sensitive components, including Chinese ones. Add competition from global players in the UAV and electronic warfare markets, and it becomes clear why manufacturers will have to quickly tighten certification, logistics, and service.
The president announced the need for exports on October 6 at the DFNC3 forum. The government has been instructed to launch the platforms by the end of the year. Last year, the industry complained of underutilization due to a lack of long-term government contracts; controlled exports should partially close this gap and turn the surplus of certain items into resources for air defense, 155-mm ammunition, and explosives, which are in short supply at the front.
Previously, dev.ua wrote about how, according to the Ukrainian Council of Gunsmiths, 94,4% of weapons manufacturers are ready to open up exports of their products. They can produce more weapons than the state is able to finance.
