How would you assess the current state of cooperation between Ukrainian defense industry companies and potential international partners?
Cooperation is taking place, but in many cases it is still at the early stages. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has gained a reputation among Western defense sector companies as a key testing ground for new military technologies and tactics. This is one of the main factors fueling today’s growing cooperation. Many Western companies have also been impressed by the quality of Ukraine’s software solutions in terms of issues such as battle management, secure communications, and cybersecurity. This is attracting companies that seek to come and learn from the experience and expertise of their Ukrainian colleagues.
In the past year, a number of Western companies have set up maintenance and production facilities in Ukraine or announced plans to do so. The most high-profile case involves Germany’s Rheinmetall, but there are also numerous other examples. Establishing a presence in Ukraine is appealing as it allows defense companies to benefit from the experience of the Ukrainian military. Ukrainian companies have also developed a lot of defense sector innovations that are attractive to international partners. Everyone is interested in Ukraine’s latest drones and robotic systems, along with the country’s use and modification of electronic warfare tools and air defense systems. Ukraine’s naval drones have an unrivaled record of success against modern warships. Understandably, foreign defense sector companies are eager to learn from Ukraine’s combination of innovative products and unique battlefield experience.
What impact is international cooperation having on the development of the Ukrainian defense industry?
This is actually a difficult question to answer. The most direct factor influencing the development of the Ukrainian defense industry is the acquisition of modern weapons and the experience gained in using these weapons on the battlefield. Beyond this very practical impact, it is hard to speak in specific terms as cooperation in most cases is still in the very early stages.
Which sectors of Ukraine’s defense industry currently attract the most interest from potential foreign partners?
There is considerable international interest in everything relating to Ukrainian drones of all kinds and the country’s latest electronic warfare innovations. Potential partners are also focused on software solutions, communication systems, and some categories of firearms.
What are the main challenges and obstacles to further cooperation between Ukrainian and foreign defense sector companies?
There is currently considerable potential for Ukrainian partners to attract capital and scale up their operations, but many Ukrainian companies do not meet some of the requirements expected for such cooperation at the international level. We must also acknowledge the challenges created by the closed nature of the Ukrainian defense industry in general, which remains sensitive to information about new developments and is still sometimes reluctant to share details with potential partners or investors.
On a practical level, complex restrictions and time-consuming bureaucratic processes can make it difficult to deliver weapons samples and other related equipment to partners in other countries for testing purposes. This directly hinders cooperation. In broader terms, the absence of a coherent national strategy for the development of Ukraine’s defense industry also acts to deter potential partners. Without the predictability of a clear strategy, it is harder to convince foreign defense companies to enter into long-term cooperation.
Where do you see the greatest opportunities for future cooperation?
There is huge scope for deepening cooperation and collaboration throughout the defense industry. Ukraine has plenty of value to offer in this respect, as do potential Western partners. Increased collaboration could prove fruitful for both parties. Crucially, there is now a growing awareness that the democratic world needs to prepare for an even biggest war. These preparations will require a wide range of offensive and defensive systems and solutions. It is obvious that Ukraine can play a very significant role in this process.
Looking ahead, I would like to underline that the development of Ukraine’s defense industry must continue to evolve toward the establishment of an ecosystem of technologies and innovations. This will create additional opportunities for further cooperation. An important part of this ecosystem will be education with a focus on defense-related technical subjects, creating further room for promising partnerships with the international defense industry.