Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a new initiative aimed at streamlining the country’s arms export processes. The program, dubbed ‘Drone Deals,’ seeks to enhance collaboration with international partners in the production and supply of drones, missiles, and other military equipment.
In a statement via Telegram, Zelensky detailed that the initiative would involve special agreements focused on technological exchange and integration with partner defense systems. He emphasized that the framework for these agreements would be based on mutual cooperation, allowing for a clear pathway for both state institutions and manufacturers to engage in arms exports.
“Ukrainian companies will have a genuine opportunity to access the markets of partner countries, provided our military can first procure the necessary quantities of weapons,” Zelensky stated. He noted that Ukraine’s production capabilities for certain types of arms are currently operating at a surplus of up to 50%, a direct result of government investments in the defense industry and collaboration with allies.
Additionally, Zelensky instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with intelligence agencies and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), to compile a list of countries where Ukrainian arms exports would be prohibited due to their ties with Russia. He described this as a critical challenge to prevent Ukrainian technology and weaponry from falling into Russian hands.
The National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine will oversee the export processes, ensuring that the needs of the country’s defense forces are prioritized before any surplus is sent abroad. In February, Ukraine issued its first export permits, effectively reinstating a controlled mechanism for selling defense products internationally.
According to the NSDC, by 2026, Ukraine’s defense industry is projected to produce goods worth approximately $55 billion. However, the council acknowledged that the current domestic resources are insufficient to finance the full scope of production.
Ukraine is launching a new framework for arms exports, focusing on collaboration with international partners and ensuring domestic military needs are prioritized. The initiative aims to enhance production capabilities while safeguarding against potential technology leaks to Russia.