Rustem Umerov, head of the Ministry of Defense, discussed expanding cooperation between Ukraine’s defense industry and international partners with representatives from over 20 German defense companies, highlighting Kyiv’s initiatives, including an investment attraction project for local production.
“Our industry already produces up to 10 million drones annually. With adequate funding, we can develop even more advanced weapons,” he said.
Umerov also spoke with German gunsmiths about a project to combine Ukrainian technology with prospective partners’ manufacturing capacity to boost weapon production.
“Our aim is to establish strong cooperation. The government is ready to help companies find partners in Ukraine and participate in joint ventures, including co-investments,” he added.
Additionally, Belgium and Turkey have joined the International Drone Coalition, an effort to enhance Ukraine’s defense with unmanned systems. The coalition now comprises 20 countries and has contributed around $194M to the drone procurement fund.