We should stop ’improving’ arms export mechanism so that system can function properly, — NAUDI
Formally, the decision-making process for arms exports has already been launched, but it is important not to turn this process into an even more complex and overregulated system.
This was stated by Serhii Honcharov, executive director of the National Association of the Defense Industry of Ukraine (NAUDI), according to Censor.NET.
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He noted that Ukraine's defense industry has undergone significant changes during the years of Russia's full-scale invasion, and its products are now competitive on international markets.
"The Ukrainian defense industry has something to offer Europeans; there are products that can be—and are—competitive there. The main question is how not to waste time on our usual search for a uniquely Ukrainian path. While competition is fierce in the EU markets for metallurgy, agricultural products, and pharmaceuticals, it is even fiercer in the defense sector. In some cases, it’s not a matter of economic competition; it’s simply political protectionism," Honcharov emphasized.
The Executive Director of NAUDI noted that, formally speaking, the decision-making mechanism for exports has already been launched, but it is important not to turn this process into an even more complex and overregulated system.
"Ukraine has always been an exporter of defense products; it has a long tradition in this field and our factories produce specialized goods. National legislation allows for these issues to be addressed. The risk lies in our relentless desire to ‘improve’ things—to introduce additional fees, restrict who we sell to, who we grant permits to, what certificates are required, and so on. When we stop and cease trying to improve everything in our pursuit of perfection, everything will work perfectly," he explained.
Honcharov stated that the strategic goal of the Ukrainian defense industry is not only to develop domestic production and expand its presence in the global market, but also to gradually displace Russian products from the arms markets.
He also noted that Ukraine is ready to strengthen its joint defense capabilities with Europe, while the European market itself is also gradually being forced to reevaluate its own approaches to regulation, industrial policy, and security priorities.
