Ukraine expands defence industry cooperation with Germany to scale up weapons production
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine is working to expand cooperation with German defense companies, develop joint production, and attract financing for Ukraine’s defence industry.
Anna Gvozdiar, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, outlined these priorities at the 1st German-Ukrainian Defence and Security Conference.
Joint weapons production with European partners: what Ukraine offers and needs
During a panel discussion, Anna Gvozdiar emphasised that Ukraine is ready to share technologies, expertise, and battlefield experience with its European partners.
At the same time, increasing production requires long-term contracts, financing for joint ventures, war risk insurance, and faster procedures for technological cooperation.
Just a few years ago, we were discussing opportunities for cooperation. Today, we already have joint production projects and are working to scale them up further. By combining Ukrainian technologies and combat experience with Germany’s industrial expertise and production capacity, we can strengthen not only Ukraine’s defence capabilities but also Europe’s long-term security.
The Deputy Minister also presented the Ministry’s approaches to accelerating defence procurement and supporting manufacturers. In particular, the DOT-Chain Defence digital marketplace enables military units to choose the equipment they need, while the concessional lending program helps defence industry enterprises attract funds to scale up production.
German defence companies and new opportunities for joint manufacturing
Germany is one of Ukraine’s key partners in defence and security. Cooperation between the two countries spans support for the Defence Forces, industrial collaboration, and the development of production capabilities.
The involvement of German companies gives Ukrainian manufacturers the opportunity to expand production, attract investment, and develop technology partnerships.
The conference was organised by the German-Ukrainian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Ukraine) to mark the chamber’s 10th anniversary. The event brought together representatives of government bodies, the defence industry, and chambers of commerce to discuss European security, bilateral industrial cooperation, and opportunities for joint projects.
Particular attention was paid to establishing direct contacts between Ukrainian defence enterprises and German businesses. This engagement should help develop joint production, attract financing, and integrate Ukrainian technologies into the European defence industry.
The Ministry of Defence previously took part in opening the Kyiv Business Centre, the first specialised British business centre, which will serve as a platform for developing industrial cooperation between defence companies in Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
