The new agreement underscores Ukraine’s commitment to domestic production of military technology.
Ukraine is taking a major step toward strengthening its defense capabilities and supporting its economy by focusing on domestic production. According to Global Defense News, the Pentagon has signed new contracts to procure locally produced drones, electronic warfare (EW) systems, and communications equipment. These contracts, which were finalized by the Defense Procurement Agency, involve collaboration with several Ukrainian companies. The exact value of these contracts has not been disclosed, but the strategic intent behind them is clear: to strengthen Ukraine’s military readiness with domestic technology.
Supporting national security and economic growth
During his visit to the Kirovohrad region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky witnessed the signing of these agreements. Deputy Defense Minister Dmytro Klimenkov emphasized the dual benefits of this approach. Focusing on Ukrainian products not only strengthens national security, but also stimulates the local economy by creating jobs. This strategy ensures that the Ukrainian Armed Forces receive modern, reliable equipment tailored to their specific operational needs.
The Shark drone developed by the Ukrainian company Ukrspecsystems is a good example of this approach. Designed for electronic warfare, the Shark drone operates 60 km behind enemy lines, providing critical battlefield surveillance for artillery targeting. This domestically produced technology represents a significant advancement in Ukrainian military capabilities.
Strengthening relationships with local manufacturers
The new contract is part of a broader effort by the Defense Ministry to strengthen its relationship with local arms manufacturers. Representatives of the Defense Ministry and Ukrainian companies discussed the details of these contracts and explored strategic cooperation for the future. Marina Bezrukova, head of the Defense Procurement Agency, emphasized the importance of these partnerships. The Defense Ministry encourages local manufacturers to integrate feedback from military users so that battlefield needs can be quickly converted into procurement contracts.
These efforts are not isolated. The Ministry of Defense continues to expand cooperation with Ukrainian companies and plans to conclude additional contracts aimed at further modernizing the country’s military capabilities. Continued investment in regional defense infrastructure reflects Ukraine’s commitment to strengthening security in the face of current challenges.
Long-term investment in military modernization
Ukraine’s focus on domestic production is part of a larger trend toward military modernization. Previous contracts included a UAH 3.7 billion contract for the production of ground-based kamikaze drones and ammunition. Since the beginning of 2024, the defense procurement agency has invested UAH 30 billion in drones and unmanned aerial systems, contracting for more than 350,000 drones by mid-August.
These ongoing efforts demonstrate Ukraine’s commitment to building a robust defense infrastructure that can withstand future threats. By prioritizing local production, Ukraine is not only strengthening its military capabilities, but also laying the foundation for a resilient post-war economy as an exporter of combat-proven tools for military organizations around the world.
