Ukraine risks losing billions in drone market contracts due to delays in opening exports – Prytula
Drone Industry
Germany’s decision to purchase combat drones from German arms group Rheinmetall for €2.4 billion could have become a contract for Ukrainian manufacturers, if permits for exporting military technologies had worked not just on paper.
Volunteer Serhii Prytula said this on his Facebook page, Censor.NET reports.
On exports
"Last year, the communication problem, how to explain to people that during wartime we can also trade with partners while entire communities are raising money for a Mavic, gave way to an understanding of the urgent need to open up exports.
Because this means additional money for the economy, because this means scaling up domestic production, because this means more jobs and taxes. Because this means integrating our defense industry with the armies of NATO countries, because this is also geopolitics. And an additional resource for the front. There are plenty of reasons to say yes!" he explains.
Export problems
Despite statements about opening exports, in practice, the process has not moved forward: manufacturers face excessive bureaucracy and a complicated approval system. At the same time, the needs of the Ukrainian army remain an unconditional priority, but this does not rule out the possibility of exporting surplus or scalable products.
According to him, exports could bring the economy additional revenue, create jobs, increase tax receipts, and integrate Ukraine’s defense sector into the systems of NATO countries. This is not only about selling equipment, but also about comprehensive solutions — with training, service, and combat experience.
"The Interagency Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation Policy and Export Control is the structure that potential exporters point to with frustration more than almost any other.
The licensing commission, which includes representatives of nearly two dozen institutions (from the Security Service of Ukraine to the Foreign Intelligence Service, from the National Security and Defense Council to military intelligence), is far too unwieldy for a proper dialogue with the private manufacturers of military goods and technologies. Direct contracts are out of the question," he said.
"This is a classic problem in relations between the State and the private sector — excessive regulation where operational speed should bring the State obvious benefits at a time when everything in the world is changing extremely fast. Arms markets are being shaken up," the volunteer continued.
Ukraine’s future Klondike
- The global arms market is changing rapidly, and EU countries may soon start producing drones themselves. If Ukraine does not establish itself in this market now, it risks losing its competitive edge.
Prytula emphasises: Ukraine has a chance to earn billions of dollars from technology exports and channel these funds into purchasing necessary weapons and developing the defence industry. But if the process drags on, this chance may be lost.
"These are colossal finances that would give miltech a boost (particularly in terms of R&D), which in the end would give us advantages not only in defense, but in civilian life as well.
Exporting what we can sell without harming the front is what will significantly help offset the problem. Yes, not right away, not now, but in the long term, this is our Klondike. One we may lose if we do not enter the markets this year.
In 2027, we may be the only ones left admiring our drones and technologies. The world is learning fast. We need to establish ourselves and make money while we are the best in the world. Later will be too late!" he added.
