Exporting Ukrainian weapons can boost Ukraine’s defense industry and contribute to global security.
Ukraine's defense industry growth is attributed to collaboration, innovation in wartime, and cost-effective feedback loops.
Lifting the ban on weapon exports can help Ukraine scale up production, reduce costs, and integrate into global defense networks.
Deep dives
Ukraine's Defense Industry Growth After Invasion
After the full-scale invasion, the defense and security industry of Ukraine expanded six-fold over two and a half years. The success is attributed to the unity and collaboration within Ukrainian society and the innovative defense technologies developed during wartime necessity. This rapid growth is unique due to the quick feedback loop between defense companies and military units, leading to cost-effective and efficient innovations.
Debate on Exporting Ukrainian Weapons
There has been a debate on whether Ukraine should lift its ban on exporting weapons due to a significant gap between its procurement budget and the industry capacity. Discussion centers on allowing companies to export excess production to sustain operations and generate revenue. Arguments for exporting include enabling Ukraine to scale up production, reduce per-unit costs, and integrate into global defense networks.
Funding Challenges and Initiatives
Ukraine faces funding limitations for defense procurement, with Western aid predominantly allocated for non-military purposes during the conflict. Initiatives like Denmark's financial aid for Ukrainian weapons production aim to bridge this gap. While grants from countries like Norway and the EU supplement funding, the industry requires substantial investment beyond current aid levels to meet production demands.
Importance of European Integration in Defense
There's a push for Ukraine to integrate into global defense networks by sharing its advanced technologies and military expertise. Ukraine's industry offers cost-effective innovations that benefit NATO allies, promoting mutual defense capabilities. The economic logic behind exporting weapons lies in increasing production efficiency and establishing Ukraine as a reliable defense partner.
Promoting Defense Industry Sustainability
To sustain Ukraine's defense industry growth, strategic measures are essential, including lifting export restrictions and securing increased funding. The dialogue emphasizes the economic rationale for enabling surplus weapon exports, enhancing industry capacity, and fostering international partnerships. Proposals focus on aligning defense procurement capabilities with industry production capacity for long-term sustainability.
Ukraine’s defense industry has grown substantially after Russia’s full-scale invasion. But it also suffered from a huge domestic burden—a ban on arms exports, which forced companies to close down or relocate abroad. Ukrainian lawmaker Halyna Yanchenko sits down with Lawfare Ukraine Fellow Anastasiia Lapatina to explain why exporting Ukrainian weapons will benefit Ukraine and global security.