Ukraine plans to lift ban on drone exports - FT

Ukraine may lift its ban on drone exports to increase production and attract investment. Officials and industry representatives emphasize the importance of this step to strengthen the country's military capabilities in countering Russian aggression.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the Financial Times.

The Ukrainian military is experiencing an acute shortage of drones for reconnaissance, cover, and attacks. With limited state resources, drone manufacturers are seeking to enter international markets to finance production for the Ukrainian army.

According to Oleksandr Marikovsky, head of the parliament's economic subcommittee, exports could bring in up to $20 billion, which would significantly help the industry's development.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has banned the export of military goods to provide the army with the necessary weapons. However, companies like Ukrspecsystems are now facing a shortage of orders. Dmytro Khasapov, the company's chairman, said that government procurement does not cover their production capacity, and the government does not have a sufficient budget to finance all the army's needs.

Drone manufacturers hope that the lifting of the export ban will not only attract investment, but also support research and development in this critical area.

Experts warn that without the resumption of exports, prices for Ukrainian drones may rise, and some companies have already begun to manufacture their products abroad to circumvent the existing restrictions.

Author - Olena Madiak, 09/10/2024