Several billion dollars in defence exports are possible for Ukraine in 2026 after the country approved its first wartime foreign sales, a senior official said. Ukraine halted weapons exports following Russia's 2022 invasion but has since developed a thriving defence industry focused on drones and missiles. Leveraging battlefield experience, the sector now has products ready for international markets.

While Ukraine's allies have expressed interest in its cutting-edge technology, including Germany, Britain, and the U.S., the official stressed national security remains paramount. Russian advances in the east and airstrikes on cities far from the front mean military needs come first. Kyiv aims to prioritise joint ventures over simple exports to attract funding and create supply chains, though some manufacturers are pushing for a return to global sales.

To justify resuming exports, Ukraine is considering an export tax that could generate state revenue for underfunded military needs. No ready-to-use weapons have been approved yet, with most applications focused on reimporting arms for frontline use. The tax proposal and strategic export approach mark a significant shift from Ukraine's wartime reliance on foreign arms supplies.