In Ukraine, over 60% of the production capacities of companies manufacturing drones remain underutilized due to a lack of orders and limited funding. According to Vadym Yunyk, the president of the Technological Forces of Ukraine, the current situation threatens the stability and further development of the industry.
This is reported by Finway
Controlled Export as a Path to Industry Development
Vadym Yunyk emphasizes that lifting the ban on the export of Ukrainian weapons will not negatively impact the supply of drones to the front, as production capacities are currently only partially utilized. In his opinion, allowing the export of surplus products that are not demanded by Ukrainian customers could serve as a powerful incentive for preserving jobs, paying salaries to engineers, and enhancing the innovative potential of companies.
“If companies can export their surplus products, it allows them to survive: pay salaries, retain engineers, and develop production. Any profit the company makes goes into R&D – improving and creating new models relevant for the front. Without this process, innovation halts,” Yunyk detailed.
Opportunities for Collaboration and Government Support
In addition to financial stability, controlled export opens up prospects for collaboration with European partners, particularly in the areas of joint development, technology exchange, and attracting investments. According to the expert, this approach could be the key to further development of Ukrainian UAV manufacturers on the international stage.
At the same time, the government is actively supporting the defense industry: the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has directed over 2 billion hryvnias of unspent funds from the Ministry of Strategic Industries to the Ministry of Defense. These funds are intended for the development of the defense industry, the implementation of innovative technologies, the expansion of production capabilities, and the procurement of modern weaponry.