Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Kyiv is preparing to formalize arms exports after government institutions agreed on procedures regulating authorization, oversight, and coordination.
The decision would allow Ukrainian defense companies to sell selected systems abroad within a state-controlled framework.
It builds on earlier announcements from Kyiv and growing interest from partner countries in equipment developed and used during the war, including drones, missiles, artillery munitions, and related software.
A central element is a proposed cooperation model known as “Drone Deals,” under which agreements would go beyond direct sales to include joint production, supply, and integration of Ukrainian systems into partner countries’ defense structures.
The format also provides for technology exchange and the transfer of operational experience alongside industrial cooperation between Ukrainian and foreign companies.
Export Mechanism
The export mechanism operates in two stages.
At the political level, bilateral agreements between governments will define the scope of cooperation on a reciprocal basis.
Once these frameworks are in place, implementation moves to state institutions and manufacturers, which will handle licensing, production, and delivery.
Authorities plan to streamline export procedures while maintaining control mechanisms.
Exports will remain conditional on domestic demand. Ukrainian forces will have priority access, with only surplus production made available for foreign sales.
According to Zelensky, excess capacity in some categories reaches about 50 percent.
Oversight will be coordinated by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.
Domestic military requirements will be set by the ministry of defense and the general staff, determining how much production can be allocated for export.
At the same time, the ministry of foreign affairs and the intelligence services will define restrictions, including a list of countries excluded from receiving Ukrainian weapons, particularly those linked to Russia.
