Over 90% of Ukrainian arms manufacturers support opening up exports
15 January 10:12
Arms exports are one of the main priorities for Ukrainian defense industry representatives in 2026. For most manufacturers, this process means loading surplus lines without reducing supplies to the Defense Forces. Market players are expecting a clear export procedure, which should appear in the near future.
This was reported to Delo.ua by Ihor Fedirko, executive director of the Ukrainian Council of Arms Manufacturers, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
“Manufacturers are highly prepared: 94.4% of companies support the opening of controlled exports, according to a survey by the Ukrainian Council of Arms Manufacturers. This refers exclusively to loading surplus lines without removing the priority of the front line — only confirmed surpluses will be exported,” Fedirko said.
According to him, in 2026, the focus will be on practical rules and a sequence of steps: verification of the manufacturer and nomenclature, interdepartmental assessment, confirmation of surplus, decision on admission, creation of state safeguards through supervision and control after delivery.
“At the same time, a financial safeguard in the form of a duty or export tax is being discussed so that part of the proceeds would be returned to purchases for the Defense Forces. This is important for manufacturers because it follows simple logic: the surplus is converted into additional domestic contracts and does not ‘disappear’ from the war,” he said.
Igor Fedirko adds that manufacturers already have many working contacts and preliminary developments with partners, but actual deliveries are hampered by three things: the licensing mechanism in Ukraine, the testing and certification cycle on the part of partners, and their procurement procedures.
“That is why the first export contracts look realistic in the second half of 2026. Until then, companies will prepare the product for compliance and standards, conduct demonstrations, prove documentation, service, training, spare parts supply, and repair support,” Fedirko emphasizes.
