Ukraine resumes arms exports worth billions of dollars

For the first time since the start of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine is resuming exports of defence equipment, which, according to David Aloian, a senior official at the National Security and Defence Council, could amount to several billion dollars this year.

The state commission has approved most of the 40 applications submitted by manufacturers for export licences, although Kyiv emphasises that the needs of troops on the front line remain the priority.

During the war, Ukraine has invested heavily in its domestic arms industry, particularly in drones and missiles, and interest in its technology appears to be growing abroad. Potential partners include the United States, Germany, Britain and countries in the Middle East.

Kyiv is also considering introducing an export tax to help finance domestic military capabilities.

However, officials are tempering expectations of a rapid export boom, stressing that commercial interests must take a back seat to the defence of a country still at war with Russia.

(reuters, pir)