Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry on Radio NV: localisation, exports and global cooperation

Ukraine continues to increase arms production, expand localisation and engage international partners in cooperation. In an interview with Radio NV, Ihor Fedirko, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry, spoke about key changes in the industry, export prospects and global integration of the Ukrainian defence industry.

Localisation of FPV drones: a step towards independence

Last Friday, Vyrii presented the first thousand FPV drones made entirely of Ukrainian components. This is an important milestone in the development of domestic production, which allows us to shorten supply chains and reduce dependence on imports. Localisation is not only an economic benefit, but also a matter of technological and overall security. We are afraid for the security aspect, because every element produced in Ukraine reduces the risks to the country's defence capability.

Why doesn't Ukraine open arms exports?

Despite the technological breakthrough, the government restricts the supply of Ukrainian arms abroad. The main reason is the priority of supplying its own army. However, in the long term, Ukraine wants to become part of the European defence ecosystem and develop joint production with international partners.

Cooperation with foreign manufacturers

Ukraine's defence industry is integrating into global markets and vice versa. If the weapons of global companies have not been produced in Ukraine, they have not been tested in modern warfare. It is here that a new standard of defence technology is being formed, and those who cooperate with us gain invaluable experience in real combat use.

‘We create weapons that are directly needed on the battlefield in close cooperation with the military. This allows us not only to meet our own needs, but also to become a serious player in the global defence technology market,’ said Igor Fedirko.

The Ukrainian defence industry continues to develop, strengthen its independence and integrate into the global market. There are even more changes ahead.