Ukraine is taking bold steps to transform its defense industry, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announcing a sweeping new initiative to export domestically-produced weapons to international markets. In a major policy shift unveiled during his evening address on September 29, 2025, Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine is preparing to launch weapons export platforms in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Agreements for these sales platforms, he said, are nearing completion and will mark a significant milestone for Ukraine’s defense sector.
“We already have agreements on four export platforms: the USA, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and the relevant agreements will be prepared soon,” Zelenskyy stated, according to reporting from Ukrainian national broadcasts. The president’s remarks came just after a high-level Technology Headquarters meeting, where officials from the Defense Ministry, security forces, and leading Ukrainian drone and missile manufacturers gathered to assess the country’s production capacity and readiness for expansion.
This export push focuses on weapons systems currently in surplus—those which, for the moment, are not urgently needed on the front lines. Revenues from these exports, Zelenskyy explained, will be reinvested directly into manufacturing the strike capabilities Ukraine urgently requires to defend itself. “Work continues on controlled weapons exports, specifically for systems currently in surplus, to generate additional funds for deficit items needed at the front and weapons that have proven most effective in strikes deep into Russian territory,” he added, as reported by Ukrainian government sources.
The announcement is part of a broader effort to keep Ukraine’s arsenals “sufficiently filled” while also supporting the country’s embattled economy. Contract planning and production are being carefully managed to ensure that every company capable of delivering quality results receives government orders and can fulfill them completely. Zelenskyy was candid about current limitations, noting, “There were indeed discrepancies in assessments of our production potential, the real capacity of companies,” but he emphasized that Ukrainian manufacturing capabilities remain far from full capacity. “We need to maximize production, and Ukraine’s manufacturing capacity is still far from fully utilized,” he reiterated during the Technology Staff meeting, according to the official transcript.
International partnerships have played a crucial role in Ukraine’s defense production surge. Zelenskyy offered his gratitude to allies for their support, especially in the area of drone manufacturing. “He thanked international partners for financial assistance, particularly for drone production,” as summarized by Ukrainian state news. This appreciation was echoed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who on September 30 announced a landmark allocation of €2 billion to Ukraine specifically for drone production. “If we continue to believe that Ukraine is our first line of defense, we must increase military assistance to Ukraine. That is why we have agreed to allocate €2B for drones,” von der Leyen said, according to the Ukrainian Business News.
This substantial funding is intended not only to boost Ukraine’s defense capabilities but also to spur the development of advanced technologies that will benefit both Ukraine and the European Union. The investment comes at a time when Ukraine’s domestic production covers approximately 40% of its front-line needs, according to Deputy Defense Minister Ivan Havrylyuk. Notably, kamikaze drones are produced almost entirely within Ukraine, reflecting the country’s rapid progress in this area. Ukraine has also made significant strides in manufacturing artillery shells, armored vehicles, and electronic warfare equipment.
Yet, challenges remain. Despite these advances, Ukraine is still heavily dependent on international partners for certain high-tech weaponry, particularly anti-aircraft missile systems. These systems are a top priority in Kyiv’s requests, with Ukrainian officials seeking at least ten Patriot missile batteries from Western allies. The country’s reliance on external support for such critical defensive equipment underscores the urgency behind efforts to scale up domestic production and secure new sources of funding through exports.
To further strengthen military cooperation, a Ukrainian delegation led by Deputy Defense Minister Serhiy Boev recently traveled to the United States. The trip focused on expanding ties in drone manufacturing and exploring new avenues for joint development. These diplomatic and industrial efforts are seen as essential to ensuring Ukraine can maintain its defensive posture in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
The export initiative is not just a matter of economics or military necessity—it’s also a statement of Ukraine’s technological prowess and its willingness to share battlefield-proven innovations with the world. During his address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, 2025, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s advancements in drone technology. “Ukraine does not have large thick missiles that dictators like to show off at parades, but we have drones that can fly 2,000-3,000 kilometers. We have opened arms exports and are ready to share what has already proven itself on the battlefield,” he told the assembly, as reported by UN News and confirmed by the Ukrainian President’s Office.
The Technology Staff meeting on September 29 provided a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Ukraine’s defense industry. Zelenskyy stressed the importance of involving all relevant parties in decision-making, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process. “This is the format that works best – when everyone is involved in the same conversation, everyone whom it truly concerns is involved in preparing important decisions, everyone has the chance to provide real information, and no one has the opportunity to lie,” he explained, according to the official presidential address.
Despite differences in assessments between government officials and manufacturers, the consensus is clear: Ukraine must maximize its production potential. Discussions during the meeting also covered contracts and financing, with the government committed to ensuring that companies can meet rising demand for advanced weaponry. The drive to ramp up production is seen as vital not only for the country’s immediate security needs but also for its long-term economic resilience.
The international community’s support has been pivotal, but Ukrainian leaders are determined to build a more self-sufficient defense sector. The export of surplus weapons represents a pragmatic approach—leveraging battlefield-tested technology to generate much-needed revenue, which can then be reinvested in critical areas where Ukraine still faces shortages. As Ukraine’s manufacturing base expands and modernizes, officials hope the country will gradually reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers, especially for systems as vital as anti-aircraft missiles.
As Ukraine moves to implement these export agreements and scale up production, the world is watching closely. The country’s efforts to innovate under fire, foster international partnerships, and develop a robust domestic defense industry may well set a precedent for others facing similar security challenges. For now, the message from Kyiv is clear: Ukraine is open for business—and ready to share the tools of its survival with allies near and far.