Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that the country is experiencing a production surplus of up to 50% in certain types of weapons. This statement came during a meeting focused on key issues related to the export of Ukrainian arms.
Zelensky noted that the security expertise and weaponry validated by the ongoing conflict are attracting interest from international partners seeking to enhance their defense capabilities. He emphasized that Ukraine has proposed a special cooperation format to its allies, known as the ‘Drone Deal’, which involves agreements for the production and supply of Ukrainian drones, missiles, munitions, military equipment, software, and integration with defense systems, along with necessary technological exchanges.
The president confirmed that the directions for this intergovernmental collaboration have been established, including the streamlining of export permits for businesses involved in arms exports.
‘The process is clear: at the intergovernmental level, we define the frameworks for security cooperation based on reciprocity, after which the procedures will proceed at the level of state institutions and manufacturers. We are simplifying bureaucratic processes while maintaining adequate export controls to enable companies to operate effectively,’ Zelensky stated.
He further mentioned that Ukrainian companies will now have a ‘real opportunity’ to access the markets of partner nations.
‘Our military will have the right to first access the necessary volume of weapons. The production surplus in Ukraine for certain types of arms reaches 50%, a direct result of our state investments in the defense industry and collaboration with partners,’ he added.
Additionally, Zelensky tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, intelligence agencies, and the Security Service of Ukraine to compile a list of countries where the export of Ukrainian arms is not feasible due to their cooperation with Russia.
‘The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine will coordinate export processes and ensure that the needs of the Defense Forces and national security are prioritized, with surplus production allocated for export,’ he stated.
Moreover, the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff of the Armed Forces will determine the required quantities of arms for the Ukrainian military.
‘I have instructed government officials and the National Security and Defense Council to provide the public with necessary information regarding the details of our arms export process,’ the president added.
Earlier, an Interagency Commission on Defense Industry and Technologies was established under the National Security and Defense Council, with the president approving its operational framework. Among its tasks are proposals concerning the activities of the Ukrainian defense industry and the special cooperation format with Kyiv’s partners, the Drone Deal.
Regarding Arms Exports
On February 8, Zelensky announced that Ukraine would be opening arms export centers in European countries, with plans to establish ten by the end of 2026.
He also mentioned that approximately 450 companies are currently engaged in drone production in Ukraine, with around 50 being market leaders in need of investment. Thus, 2026 is expected to be a year of investment in Ukrainian technologies, particularly in unmanned aerial vehicles.
In September 2025, the president indicated that preparations for a ‘significant decision’ regarding the controlled export of Ukrainian arms were underway, and in December of the previous year, he announced the opening of the first export office in Berlin.
President Zelensky has outlined Ukraine's plans to enhance its arms export capabilities, citing a significant production surplus. The initiative includes a new 'Drone Deal' aimed at facilitating international cooperation in defense technology and arms production.