Ukraine's weapons makers want to sell arms abroad and argue it will help, not hurt, the fight against Russia

"Ukraine's defense industry wants to be able to export abroad because it can make more than the country can buy. Ukraine is at war, but industry says exports will unlock the kind of production it needs. Efficient production at scale could mean lower costs. Ukraine's defense industry is pushing for the right to export some of its weaponry, arguing that selling arms abroad would help - not harm - the country's war effort."

"Ukraine's defense industry has been booming as it equips the country's forces for war. Ukrainian companies now churn out drones, missiles, artillery systems, and ammunition at a pace unseen before the war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that 30% of the equipment used last year was made at home, and he wants that figure to reach 50% by the end of 2025."

"At first glance, exports might seem counterintuitive or risky while Ukraine is fighting a larger adversary and struggling with uncertain Western support. But industry leaders argue that exports would expand production, lower costs, and strengthen Ukraine's defense base. Serhiy Goncharov, CEO of the National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industries (NAUDI), which represents about 100 companies, said that "the export of some part of military production wouldn't harm the defense of Ukraine," arguing instead that "it would increase the potential of the defense of Ukraine.""

Ukraine's defense industry is pressing for the right to export portions of its military production to foreign buyers to increase output beyond domestic purchases. International arms exports were largely frozen after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, with tighter approval rules to keep shells, drones, and missiles inside the country. Domestic firms now produce drones, missiles, artillery systems, and ammunition at an unprecedented wartime pace. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported 30% domestic equipment usage last year and aims for 50% by end of 2025. Industry capacity reportedly exceeds the state defense budget by more than threefold. Industry leaders say exports would expand production, lower unit costs, stimulate research, and strengthen the national defense base.

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