Earlier this month, Ukraine's state wartime licensing committee approved most of 40 applications for exporting supplies and services from defense manufacturers. Davyd Aloian, Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, shared this information with Reuters on 20/2.

"Including finished products, spare parts, components, and services that can be provided, this figure amounts to several billion USD," Aloian stated. He assessed the export potential as "significantly higher" compared to the pre-war period.

A Ukrainian soldier prepares to launch a Darts medium-range attack drone towards Russian forces from a position near the frontline in Donetsk, Ukraine, on 16/12/2025. Photo: Reuters

Ukraine halted arms exports in February 2022, at the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Since then, the nation has largely relied on weapon supplies from its partners in the war against Russia.

Leveraging battlefield experience from the past few years and substantial investment in its arms industry, particularly in drones and missiles, Ukraine's defense technology sector is currently experiencing a thriving period.

According to Aloian, Ukraine's allies have expressed interest in purchasing its defense equipment. These include Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Nordic countries, three Middle Eastern nations, and one Asian country.

He mentioned that one Middle Eastern nation, with an established arms trade history with Ukraine, is seeking cooperation opportunities in drones and heavy vehicles, though he declined to name the country. He added that Kyiv would prioritize exports to nations supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Aloian clarified that none of the approved orders involve finished weapons. Most of these transactions are aimed at re-supplying weapons to Ukraine's frontline.

Some orders are related to equipment for the FrankenSAM program, a joint initiative between Ukraine and the US. This project develops surface-to-air missile systems by combining Ukraine's Soviet-era systems with Western missiles.

Kyiv also prioritizes joint ventures and other forms of international cooperation. This approach aims to attract funding, establish new weapon supply chains for the frontline, and gain access to new technology, which is considered more important than simply exporting military products.

Defense manufacturers have pressured Kyiv to resume exports, citing the risk of losing opportunities in the global arms market. Some Ukrainian defense companies have already established subsidiaries to operate abroad.

"We do not intend to tie down manufacturers or keep them solely for our own service," Aloian stated. "However, our principle is to prioritize frontline needs and national interests, before considering commercial gains."

Ukraine is currently considering imposing an export tax on weapons. While no final decision has been made, Aloian believes this would provide a reasonable basis for resuming export activities, generating more revenue for Kyiv to offset its military budget deficit.

Hong Hanh (Reuters)