Starting from 2026, Ukraine will open ten arms export centers throughout Europe, including in the Baltic states and the northern part of the continent, announced President Volodimir Zelenski on February 8. The decision marks a major policy shift in the context of a prolonged war with Russia and reflects Kiev’s ambition to internationalize its defense industry.
At the same time, the Ukrainian leader confirmed that the production of Ukrainian drones will soon begin in Germany. According to Zelenski, the first units will come off the production line in mid-February, and he himself will receive the first specimen.
“It’s a fully functional production line. In the United Kingdom, such lines are already operational. All of these are based on Ukrainian technologies,” the president wrote on Telegram.
Zelenski emphasized that Europe’s security is increasingly built on technology and unmanned systems, and the experience Ukraine has gained in the war with Russia becomes a central pillar of this effort. “Today’s Europe is building its security on technology and drones. There are several projects, and many of them are based on Ukrainian specialists and technologies,” the leader from Kiev conveyed.
The opening of export centers and the relocation of some production lines to partner states are part of a broader strategy to expand the Ukrainian defense industry beyond its borders. Production capacity, especially in the field of drones, has grown rapidly, however, exceeding the financial resources available to support it exclusively domestically.
The announcement comes after, in October, Zelenski asked the Ministry of Defense to prepare a system of “controlled export” of Ukrainian weaponry, which is expected to come into effect from November 2025. According to this mechanism, Ukraine could export surplus military equipment, and the funds obtained would be reinvested in the acquisition of necessary weaponry on the front.
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