Ukrainian government approves weapons export mechanism: How it will work

The Ukrainian government has approved a new mechanism governing the export of domestically produced weapons, Minister of Defence Mykhailo Fedorov announced. According to the minister, the new framework establishes a clear procedure with a single set of rules for the government, manufacturers and international partners.

Fedorov outlined four key elements of the new export mechanism:

1. Countries participating in the Drone Deal initiative that have relevant intergovernmental agreements with Ukraine will be able to procure Ukrainian-made weapons and defence technologies directly from Ukrainian manufacturers.
2. A transparent procedure for reviewing export applications submitted by manufacturers has been introduced. Applications will be processed within a clearly defined timeframe of up to 30 days. The mechanism applies to transfers of weapons and defence technologies valued at UAH 15 million or more.
3. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will compile the list of partner countries eligible under the mechanism, while the Ministry of Defence, together with other authorised government bodies, will determine the list of critical items that cannot be transferred.
4. Ukrainian technologies will remain protected by the state. Exports will not involve the transfer of intellectual property rights, and re-export or transfer to third parties will be permitted only with Ukraine’s written consent. If products manufactured using Ukrainian technologies are exported to third countries, 20% of their value will be paid into the state budget.

Fedorov stressed that meeting the needs of the Ukrainian Defence Forces remains the government’s top priority, meaning exports will only be authorised if domestic military requirements are fully met. If the state determines that a particular type of weapon is needed by the armed forces, an export permit may be denied.

At the same time, manufacturers will be allowed to export their products if they can guarantee the simultaneous fulfilment of both government contracts and export orders.