Ukraine to export some weapons to fund defense expenses
Vilkha tactical missile system (Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine)
Ukraine plans to launch a controlled weapons export program to generate revenue for defense procurement, former Defense Minister and National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said on Oct. 3, news agency Interfax-Ukraine reported.
"We are preparing the Technological Council [of the supreme commander-in-chief]. The key focus is how to increase funding for purchasing weapons for our military," Umerov wrote in a Telegram post.
Weapons exports will be one tool to fill the budget for defense buys, he added.
"We will export only what is in surplus and has spare production capacity. The priority remains preserving potential for the Ukrainian Armed Forces' needs and ensuring supply security," Umerov said.
Ahead of the council meeting, the National Security and Defense Council held a preparatory session with the Defense Ministry, Economy Ministry, Finance Ministry, military leadership and intelligence agencies.
"All prepared specific materials on production capabilities and existing stocks," the secretary reported.
The government, Defense Ministry, military command and intelligence are expected to report on the export launch algorithm — when, how and in what volumes, he stated.
The council will also discuss Russia's strike on Ukraine overnight into Oct. 3.
"The Energy Ministry and Air Force will report on the power grid's status and protection of facilities," Umerov said.
It will also review responses to the enemy, specifically long-range operations.
On Sept. 19, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy chaired a Technological Council meeting on weapons production. He then said a concept for three new export platforms for Ukrainian weapons would be presented within two weeks.
During a press interaction, the president said a concept for partial weapons exports would be unveiled in 10 days.
On Sept. 21, Zelenskyy said Ukraine has initial proposals for partners on exporting domestic weapons, including sea drones.
On Sept. 24, the president said Ukraine has decided to open weapons exports to showcase modern, battle-tested systems to partners.
On Sept. 25, Zelenskyy reported that Ukraine has 300 tech companies and will begin exporting its own drones this year.
On Sept. 29, the Ukrainian leader said the country is working on exporting surplus domestic weapons, with agreements for four export platforms.
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