Technology barter: Kyiv and Tokyo may exchange defense technologies
20 February 15:18
Ukraine is ready to transfer its defense technologies, including naval drones, to Japan and wants to receive access to air defense missiles in return.
This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to Kyodo.
“Japan is one of the countries that has licenses or its own production of missiles and air defense systems capable of countering ballistic threats. And of course, we want to cooperate, have joint production, or exchange knowledge,” Zelensky said.
According to him, Ukraine is ready to open up its technologies, such as marine drones for coastal defense.
“Without our own fleet, we were able to destroy part of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea with the help of our marine drones. They do not approach our shores because of their capabilities,” the head of state added.
The President of Ukraine also explained that Japan could benefit from Ukraine’s achievements in cybersecurity, interceptor drones, energy and critical infrastructure management in crisis situations, broader experience in modern warfare, and more.
“And we will be very happy to see Prime Minister Takaichi in Ukraine. I think it was very important for our two countries. I am ready to meet in any format, at any venue or during any major meetings. But I think it would be more useful to meet directly and focus on our bilateral relations. We will be very happy to see her. And I am also ready to visit Japan,” Zelensky concluded.
Arms exports and technology exchange
Earlier, Zelensky said that Ukraine is preparing agreements on controlled arms exports. This could provide Ukraine with additional funding for the production of scarce systems.
Ukraine and Croatia have also agreed to expand joint arms production. The countries signed a letter of intent to deepen defense and industrial cooperation.
As noted by NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov, the first real export contracts will appear no earlier than the second half of 2026. This is due to lengthy certification, testing, and procurement procedures on the part of foreign partners.
Ukrainian drones (air, ground, and sea) will be the priority product for sale, some of which will be manufactured according to the Danish model (direct investment in Ukrainian facilities or the creation of joint ventures).
