A new mechanism for controlled exports of weapons and defense technologies is being introduced in Ukraine. The government’s decision provides for clear rules for the sale of Ukrainian defense-industrial complex products to partner countries.
At the same time, the key priority remains to meet the needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. This was reported by the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov and the Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko, Channel 24 reports. Reported by the PromPolitInform portal.
This is a new model of cooperation with international partners in the Drone Deal format, which provides for transparent rules for the sale of defense-industrial complex products.
“Each export contract should work towards the main goal – strong defense production in Ukraine and more of our own weapons for our Army,” Svyrydenko said.
The new mechanism provides that part of the funds from exports will be directed to the state budget for the development of the defense industry. In particular, 20% of the export of finished products and technologies and 30% of the export of components will go to a special fund.
The minimum value of export contracts for finished products is also set – from 15 million hryvnias, while for components there are no such restrictions. Applications for export will be considered within 30 days.
Fedorov also emphasizes that the needs of the Defense Forces remain an unconditional priority. Export is possible only if the Ukrainian army is guaranteed to be provided.
If the state plans to purchase certain weapons or they are included in the list of critical goods, an export permit may not be granted. At the same time, manufacturers will be able to work with foreign customers only on condition of fulfilling state contracts.
The list of partner countries will be formed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the list of critical goods will be regularly updated by the Ministry of Defense. The transfer of technologies will be carried out without alienation of intellectual property rights, with control over their use and re-export.
According to the government, currently more than half of the weapons on the front are Ukrainian-made products, and the new mechanism should strengthen the defense industry and allow scaling up the production of modern systems for the needs of the army.
Recall that Ukraine and France are discussing the possibility of launching licensed production of SCALP cruise missiles on Ukrainian territory. Mykhailo Fedorov noted that relevant negotiations are ongoing with both Paris and the weapons manufacturer.
According to him, during a recent conversation between Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron, some progress was achieved, but final agreements have not yet been agreed. Ukraine is also consulting with American partners, counting on expanding defense production within the country.
