Ukraine to Launch Foreign Production of Missiles, Drones and Artillery

Ukraine plans to sign the first agreements under its Build with Ukraine initiative, which aims to export Ukrainian military technologies and establish production lines abroad.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the plans during a meeting with journalists.

He stated that the agreements will cover the production of various types of drones, missiles, and potentially artillery systems in partner countries that already finance Ukraine’s defense sector or intend to do so.

“We will provide the necessary technologies and manufacture weapons for both Ukraine and our partners in their countries,” Zelensky said.

He emphasized that none of these technologies will be shared with countries sympathetic to Russia. Ukraine, he said, will not cooperate with such states.

According to Zelensky, preliminary agreements are already in place with several countries. Leading the list are Denmark, Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Lithuania. Private sector companies are also involved in the talks.

The president added that Ukraine has secured $43 billion in funding for its defense industry so far in 2025. Kyiv is now calling on partner governments to allocate 0.25% of their GDP to support Ukraine’s defense industry.

“Ukraine is part of Europe’s security. We are asking for 0.25% of each partner’s GDP to be dedicated to our defense sector,” he said.

In his evening address on June 20, Zelensky announced that Ukraine was preparing a new platform to further develop domestic arms production. The initiative is described as a long-term, structured effort already backed by foreign partners.

He also noted that 2025 will be a record year in terms of both financial support and weapons contracts from allies.

Ukraine is also working on new agreements with NATO countries focused on investment in drone and artillery shell production.

A major French automotive manufacturer recently agreed to set up drone production lines in Ukraine for use by both Ukrainian and allied forces.