Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced that the process of exporting weapons will begin in the coming weeks.
He made the statement at a press conference following the meeting of the Defense Contact Group in Brussels.
“Indeed, all partners are raising the issue of exports; everyone wants to participate in the production of Ukrainian drones. The President will soon announce new products created by Ukrainian enterprises and our partners’ companies. Today we discussed ‘Octopus,’ which is manufactured both in Ukraine and the UK. A commission responsible for exports has already been formed. Its composition was signed by Presidential decree a few days ago. Essentially, this new, approved process will start operating in the coming days and weeks,” Fedorov said.
When asked by a journalist about the number of drones that might be exported, the minister replied that it is difficult to predict and such information will not be made public. However, he noted that Ukraine plans to increase drone production this year to better equip its armed forces.
“This applies to all types and categories of drones, and given the doctrinal changes occurring on the battlefield, it is important for us to produce more of certain drone categories that we previously manufactured in smaller quantities,” Fedorov explained.
He also emphasized that the number of drones produced will depend on available funding.
“All of this will answer the question of how many drones Ukraine can produce this year and which types. Only after that will we understand what can be exported. Ukrainian drones must first and foremost serve the needs of the Ukrainian armed forces to stop the enemy,” Fedorov concluded.
