In the first quarter of 2026, 90% of surveyed Ukrainian defense industry companies received inquiries from foreign countries regarding cooperation.
According to Technological Forces of Ukraine, this is based on the results of an April survey of 42 private companies in the defense-industrial sector. Technological Forces of Ukraine believes this indicates an already established demand for Ukrainian defense products on foreign markets, rather than isolated interest in individual manufacturers.
The most frequent cooperation inquiries, according to respondents, came from the United States, named by 36% of participants. This is followed by Germany with 29%, Denmark with 21%, the United Arab Emirates with 19%, and the United Kingdom with 17%. These countries are considered by manufacturers to be the most promising directions for future cooperation and supply.
The most prioritized form of international cooperation named by companies is the export of finished products, chosen by 79% of respondents. Another 64% consider the creation of joint ventures important, while 42% support the export of technologies. This shows that some Ukrainian manufacturers are already focusing not only on direct product sales, but also on longer-term cooperation with foreign partners.
Separately, Technological Forces of Ukraine asked businesses about their main expectations from the state regarding the export of weapons and technologies. The most common request was the simplification of procedures, chosen by 64% of respondents. Another 50% called for shorter processing times, and 42% for more transparent rules.
In practice, businesses are not asking for new large-scale mechanisms, but for a faster and more understandable export control system. Some companies explicitly state that even basic licensing approval could be sufficient if it were predictable, without delays or excessive bureaucracy.
The survey shows that for Ukrainian arms manufacturers, the key problem is no longer a lack of foreign interest, but the ability of the state system to turn that interest into real contracts and deliveries in a timely manner.
