Ukraine plans to begin exporting its own weapons, but will prioritize meeting all the needs of its Armed Forces. Only after fully supplying the military will surplus weapons be sold on external markets.
This is reported by Finway
Priority for the Ukrainian Army and Details of Export Policy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has significantly strengthened its defense capabilities and gained unique experience in the field of security. According to him, there are currently production areas that already have a 50% surplus over needs, so exports will become a possible part of the defense industry’s development. At the same time, the military will receive everything they need first.
“(This is – ed.), including due to the fact that Ukraine has colossal security expertise and strong capabilities to produce weapons. We currently have production areas that have a 50% surplus in production capacity. The export of Ukrainian weapons will be real. Ukrainian military personnel will always have the right to first and sufficient volume: the military will take what they need, and beyond that volume – exports,” Zelensky noted.
The decision on export volumes will be made by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, based on intergovernmental agreements with international partners. This is necessary to ensure that no Ukrainian defense technologies or weapons fall into the Russian Federation.
Streamlining Bureaucracy and New Partnership Formats
The President emphasized that the government, together with the National Security and Defense Council and intelligence services, is preparing steps to reduce bureaucratic procedures in the field of arms exports while maintaining strict control over exports. It is planned to implement automatic permits so that the process of obtaining export licenses occurs quickly and transparently, without creating conditions for corruption.
Separately, Zelensky announced the implementation of a special cooperation format with international partners – Drone Deals, which is already working with countries in the Middle East, the Gulf, Europe, and the Caucasus, and is also being considered by American partners. This initiative involves the export of drones, defense systems, and other types of Ukrainian weapons to strengthen protection on land, in the air, and at sea.
The President emphasized that all export conditions must be beneficial for Ukraine, and the funds from weapon sales will be directed towards further strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.