Ukrainian Weaponry to Go Global: Ukraine Restores Arms Exports Mechanism

Ukraine is restoring a full-fledged mechanism for exporting its own weapons. This is a new impetus for the development of the defense industry – a transition from production exclusively for itself to selling products to partners.

This step will allow attracting additional funds to the national security and defense sector.

This was announced by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umierov and Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Strategic Issues Oleksandr Kamyshin during a meeting with journalists, Militarnyi reports.

According to them, the export procedure will remain as simple and transparent as possible. If a company meets certain criteria for access to exports and has excess production capacity that is not used by the Defense Forces, it can apply to the State Service for Export Control of Ukraine.

The State Service for Export Control reviews the submitted data within 90 days and makes a decision on granting the permit.

Surplus products are determined through interagency requests. The Ministry of Defense summarizes the needs of the military, and the final decision is made collectively at a meeting of the Interagency Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation and Export Control Policy with the representatives of all the Defense Forces.

Private producers are given flexibility in choosing the export route. They can use the services of state-owned special exporters, private companies, or obtain their own authorization. This is possible through the Defense City resident status – in 7-12 days, or by a separate decision of the Cabinet of Ministers – during the year.

After approval by the State Service for Export Control and the Interagency Commission under the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), the company receives an export permit.

“This approach ensures a double level of control – technical and security,” the statement said.

The state retains full control over the end user of Ukrainian weapons. The NSDC compiles and regularly updates the list of countries to which arms supplies are allowed.

The first countries on this list will be those with which Ukraine has signed security agreements. This ensures that exports will only take place within the framework of proven partnerships. No Ukrainian weapons can be resold without Ukraine’s knowledge. Post-export controls are in place, including those involving intelligence agencies.

“The priority is the frontline. If the Armed Forces urgently need these weapons, the export permit may be suspended or canceled,” the participants emphasized.

Earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine is ready to sell maritime drones.