Kyiv, Ukraine – Rustam Omerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, announced that domestic arms companies have received their first export licenses since the start of the war with Russia in February 2022.
This move is described as politically sensitive given the ongoing military operations.
Ukrainian defense sector exceeds $55 billion
In a statement released Thursday, Omerov said the decision is part of a strategy to support the national defense industry and expand its production capacity.
He noted that the annual output of the Ukrainian defense sector exceeds $55 billion.
The Ukrainian official did not disclose the number of companies granted licenses.
However, he explained that the government commission responsible
for approving arms exports held its first meeting in eight months.
Through this move, Kyiv is attempting to strike a balance between meeting
its domestic military needs and attracting foreign investment to bolster its manufacturing capabilities.
Additionally, it is using arms exports as a diplomatic tool to strengthen its international alliances.
Ukraine’s defense industry has witnessed remarkable expansion since the outbreak of war,
now comprising over 100 companies, mostly private, following a surge in the establishment of new firms specializing in military technology.
Drones and Electronic Warfare
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently noted that his country possesses approximately 450 drones.
These have become pivotal on the battlefield, particularly small, low-cost drones that carry out a significant portion of targeting operations.
Omerov emphasized that Ukraine’s capabilities in drones, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance currently exceed domestic procurement.
Therefore, there is now capacity for exports without compromising the military’s needs.
He added that regulated exports will contribute to increased production
and accelerate the development of new technologies for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
This decision reflects a shift in Kyiv’s economic and defense strategy.
As a result, it seeks to bolster its financial resources and solidify its position as a key player in the military-industrial market.
