President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday that Ukraine will open its arms exports to global markets through a new framework dubbed 'Drone Deals,' but access will be restricted to countries that have supported Kyiv since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. The move, long anticipated by both foreign partners and domestic manufacturers, marks a significant step in Ukraine's defence industrial strategy.
'The export of Ukrainian weapons will become a reality, we have approved all the details at the level of our state institutions,' Zelenskyy said in a statement. He added that Ukraine's security expertise and weapons, 'tested in modern warfare,' are of interest to partners capable of ensuring real protection for their statehood and citizens.
Controlled Export and Reciprocity
The 'Drone Deals' framework covers the production and supply of Ukrainian drones, missiles, ammunition, military equipment, software, and technological exchange. Zelenskyy stressed that exports will be governed by interstate agreements based on reciprocity, with clear oversight to prevent sensitive technology from falling into Russian hands. He instructed the Foreign Ministry, intelligence services, and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to compile a list of countries barred from exports due to their cooperation with the aggressor state.
Ukraine currently operates approximately 800 arms producers, many of which have ramped up production to a significant surplus. According to recent reports, Ukraine now produces over 4 million drones annually and could double that number with sufficient funding. Zelenskyy noted that surplus production capacity for certain weapons reaches 50%, a direct result of state investment and international cooperation.
Domestic arms producers had been pressing the government for a year to lift restrictions on selling military-grade equipment, particularly drones, to generate revenue. The new export structure will simplify bureaucratic procedures while maintaining adequate export controls, Zelenskyy said, adding that the Ukrainian military will retain absolute priority for supply needs.
Zelenskyy confirmed that the 'Drone Deals' format has already been implemented with partners in the Middle East, the Persian Gulf, Europe, and the Caucasus. Kyiv recently signed 10-year defence partnership agreements with three Gulf countries, covering maritime drones, electronic warfare, and interception technology. Ukraine's naval drone fleet, including the Magura-V5, has proven effective in targeting Russian ships in the Black Sea, and Zelenskyy suggested these systems could help secure the Strait of Hormuz.
The announcement comes as Ukraine continues to demonstrate its drone capabilities. In March, Ukraine set a record by shooting down 33,000 Russian drones, underscoring the battlefield-tested nature of its technology. Zelenskyy also noted that Ukraine has a proposal on the table with American partners, but stressed that terms must be favourable to Ukraine, with clear oversight and proceeds used for self-defence.
The export policy is a strategic shift for a country at war, balancing the need for revenue with the imperative of controlling sensitive technology. By limiting sales to allies and barring countries that cooperate with Russia, Kyiv aims to prevent its innovations from being turned against it. The move also strengthens Ukraine's position as a defence technology hub, leveraging its wartime experience to build long-term partnerships.
