Ukraine's defense industry, which has demonstrated incredible growth dynamics during the war, has encountered a serious systemic barrier. Despite high demand for Ukrainian drones abroad, the export of weapons from the country is effectively blocked. This situation prevents manufacturers from legally entering foreign markets and stifles the technological growth of the sector.

This was stated by Yaroslav Hryshyn, co-founder of the drone manufacturer "General Cherechnya," in an interview with RBC-Ukraine. According to him, the current export regime makes legal work in foreign markets practically impossible.

Bureaucracy as a prohibitive factor

Hryshyn emphasized that the problem lies not only in a lack of demand but also in administrative obstacles. "For now, exports are de facto and de jure banned and blocked in our country. This procedure needs to be launched so that we can work faster and legally," he stated.

The manufacturer's representative explained that the complexity and length of the permission process are effectively equivalent to a total ban. "One could say it is de facto and de jure banned. Everything is so difficult and slow that it is practically impossible," noted Hryshyn. He is convinced that the export ban is actually slowing down the development of the production capabilities of Ukrainian companies and technologies in general.

Post-war market potential

Despite current difficulties, experts see weapons exports as a powerful driver for the country's future development. Yaroslav Hryshyn is confident that after the war ends, the export of armaments will become one of the key factors in the growth of Ukraine's defense industry.

However, to realize this potential, current barriers must be removed. At present, Ukraine's defense industry is facing a complex of problems that are hampering its development:

  • De facto blockade of arms exports.
  • Lack of qualified personnel.
  • Reduction in the supply of Chinese components necessary for equipment production.

Resolving these issues will be critical for Ukrainian technologies to secure a worthy place on the global market in the future.