Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine has completed the necessary state‑level approvals to begin weapon exports, signaling a major shift in the country’s defense industry policy during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Ukraine is preparing to launch arms exports under new ‘Drone Deals’ aimed at expanding defense production and strengthening military-industrial cooperation with international partners.
Zelenskyy confirmed that he has approved the introduction of automatic licensing procedures intended to streamline administrative processes for companies involved in weapons exports. He noted that Ukrainian defense technologies, tested in modern warfare, have attracted interest from partner nations, with export mechanisms now formally approved at the state level.
The framework will cover the production and supply of drones, missiles, ammunition, and other high‑demand weapons systems, along with military equipment, software solutions, system integration with partner countries, and the exchange of Ukrainian technological expertise. Zelenskyy also emphasized that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will retain priority access to all necessary weaponry.
The agreements are intended for partners in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Europe, and the Caucasus, Zelenskyy said on X, adding that a proposal has also been put forward for U.S. partners.
The Drone Deal framework was initially presented by Zelenskyy during a series of bilateral meetings in major European capitals in April. While in Rome, he emphasized that deeper cooperation between Ukrainian and Italian defense industries could support technological advancement, expand industrial capacity, and generate employment in both countries.
To safeguard sensitive technologies from reaching Russia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ukraine’s intelligence services have been tasked with compiling a list of countries barred from receiving weapons exports due to their cooperation with Moscow.
European nations are striking joint production agreements with Ukraine, especially in drones, as Kyiv boosts its capacity to deliver cost‑effective battlefield equipment.
The National Security and Defense Council will oversee export procedures, ensuring domestic military needs are prioritized, with the Ministry of Defense and General Staff determining supply requirements.
DON’T MISS IT | India and New Zealand Ink Landmark Free Trade Agreement
