Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov spoke at the Defense Tech Export Forum with a thesis that the Ukrainian defense sector prefers not to voice aloud: some domestic weapons have already become outdated for the front line — but are entirely competitive on the global market.
«Free weapons sales under conditions of active warfare are impossible. Neither our soldiers on the front lines nor our Western partners, from whom we are requesting arms ourselves, understand this. I believe that only what exists in sufficient surplus can be freely sold, for example, maritime drones».
Kyrylo Budanov, Defense Tech Export Forum
Along with maritime drones, he named early FPV models — first-generation unmanned aerial vehicles that Ukraine has already outgrown technologically. For comparison: if monthly FPV production was 20,000 units at the beginning of 2024, by 2025 capacity grew to 200,000 per month. The front has moved on to newer solutions — old models are gathering dust in warehouses.
Why the «window» might close
Budanov does not hide the pragmatism: some Ukrainian manufacturers are already cutting staff due to lack of domestic demand. Meanwhile, in the Middle East — particularly among Persian Gulf monarchies — there is demand for battle-tested technologies. Ukraine has already held negotiations with regional leaders about 10-year defense agreements.
The problem is that the niche does not wait. According to Budanov, «by losing markets, we are taking a huge risk of never entering them again, because others will». In other words, a pause during wartime is not a frozen position, but its actual surrender to competitors: Turkey, Iran, China, which are actively promoting their own UAVs.
A brand that is hard to sell cautiously
Budanov characterized Ukrainian technologies as a «global brand» — and this is no exaggeration. Ukraine produces approximately 4 million drones per year, more than any NATO country. But a brand built on combat experience requires active market presence — not merely participation in forums.
- Maritime drones — the most export-ready category: surplus production is confirmed, combat effectiveness proven in the Black Sea.
- Early FPV models — inexpensive (from $300 to $500 per unit), simple to master, suitable for armies without developed drone culture.
- Long-range UAVs — the most sensitive category: any contract will require coordination with partners who still supply components to Ukraine.
It is precisely this last point — the main uncomfortable variable. Ukraine still depends on imported electronics in its own drones. By selling technology, it effectively re-exports partners' components — without their explicit approval, this is legally and politically risky.
If Kyiv truly has a «window of opportunity» in the Middle Eastern and African markets — the question is not whether to sell, but whether the government will manage to coordinate a re-export control mechanism with partners before this window is taken by Ankara or Beijing.
