Zelensky announces automatic business permits for weapons exports. Here’s what is known

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that the details of weapons exports have been agreed at the level of state institutions. Partners assisting Ukraine have been offered a special cooperation format – Drone Deals.

These are agreements covering the production and supply of Ukrainian drones, missiles, munitions, equipment, software, integration with partners’ defence systems, and the provision of expertise. Some are already underway with countries across three parts of the world: the Middle East, Europe, and the Caucasus. The United States has also received the proposal.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the intelligence services, and the Security Service of Ukraine are to determine the list of countries to which weapons exports are prohibited. The National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine will coordinate export processes and guarantee that the needs of the AFU are met as a priority. The Ministry of Defence and the General Staff will determine the volumes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s requirements.

“Automatic export permits are also needed, in a mode where the time to obtain a permit is clearly defined and does not create grounds for corruption,” the president’s post states. Zelensky added that he has instructed government officials and the NSDC to present the public with the necessary information regarding the details of the export process.

As previously stated, only surplus products from Ukrainian manufacturers will be permitted for export. According to Zelensky, the surplus in production capacity for certain types of weapons reaches 50%. Head of the President’s Office Kyrylo Budanov had previously stated that maritime drones are available in surplus. Ukraine may also export weapons that are no longer widely used in the current war: certain long-range UAVs and early FPV drone models.

To recap, Ukraine has already signed Drone Deals with three Middle Eastern countries: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. These are 10-year agreements under which there will be at least 10 separate Ukrainian weapons export contracts. The construction of production lines both in Ukraine and in other states is also envisaged.

A declaration on defence partnership has also been signed with Norway – the two countries will jointly produce middle-strike drones to be handed over to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Work on Drone Deals with Germany, Italy, Sweden, and the Netherlands is known to have begun. Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine is “substantively engaged with Azerbaijan” on defence cooperation.

Published in partnership with Defender Media.