Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday stated that Kyiv has prepared initial plans for the ‘controlled export’ of Ukrainian weapons, with a particular focus on sea drones. The statement comes ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York City, during which Zelensky is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine intends to increase its acquisition of U.S. weapons through NATO’s PURL program starting in October, while also exploring opportunities to export its domestically manufactured arms.
Since Russia’s 2022 invasion, Ukraine has relied heavily on Western financial support and weapons supplies. Despite the ongoing war, it has advanced its domestic production capabilities, especially in drone technology.
“The security of sea routes is an integral part of overall security, and many nations depend on it. Ukraine offers all its reliable partners our developments, which have helped us in the Black Sea. We are counting on strong contracts,” Zelensky said.
Zelensky plans to present these proposals to allies during the UN General Assembly, which he described as a ‘week of diplomacy.’
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine’s defense industry, particularly its drone sector, has experienced rapid growth. Over 200 drone companies have emerged, many developing low-cost, adaptable systems that are altering modern defense. As part of this technology surge, Ukraine has significantly expanded its fleet of naval drones, incorporating unmanned maritime systems into its military operations.
Ukraine recently introduced its TOLOKA underwater drone system, featuring the large TLK-1000 model, which is up to 12 meters long, can carry 5,000 kilograms, and has a range of up to 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles).
Currently, the export of domestically produced Ukrainian weapons is tightly controlled, requiring difficult-to-obtain permits from the State Export Service. In May, Ukrainian defense companies issued an open letter to President Zelensky, urging him to ease restrictions on the export of military-grade equipment, particularly drones.
On June 21, Zelensky declared that Ukraine would soon begin exporting defense technologies and launching weapons production lines in allied countries.
In July, Zelensky revealed that he had reached an agreement with Donald Trump for the sale of Ukrainian drones to the U.S., with the deal potentially valued between $10 billion and $30 billion. Kyiv also entered into a major partnership with American company Swift Beat to co-manufacture hundreds of thousands of drones over the course of the year.
TRADE WORLD | Philippines Faces 80% Illicit E-Cigarette Market, Expert Warns
