Ukraine's NSDC on Arms Exports to Gulf Countries: Aiming to Build a Comprehensive Ecosystem, Not Just Export Finished Products

In a recent briefing, David Aloyan, the Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine, highlighted that Ukraine's collaboration with Gulf countries is not solely centered on exporting finished products. Instead, the focus is on establishing a comprehensive defense ecosystem, with drone solutions being a key component.

When asked by journalists whether specific companies and their products were discussed during meetings with foreign partners, Aloyan clarified that such discussions did not take place. He stated, "We are working in stages. Currently, we have already achieved certain intergovernmental agreements, which are extremely important for us and our partners as we are shaping the framework for future cooperation. This is the foundation upon which our defense industries will continue to collaborate."

Aloyan emphasized that Ukraine is in the process of forming long-term partnerships with its allies, shifting its approach to exports. Moving away from simple deliveries of finished products, which were common prior to the full-scale invasion, Ukraine is transitioning to a new format of cooperation. "We have experience—unfortunately, bitter experience—and now we are sharing our knowledge, assistance, and support so that no other country finds itself in the same situation we were in. Therefore, we are not just exporting a product. The concept is not merely about exporting goods but about building a comprehensive ecosystem. An ecosystem that is extremely important, with drone solutions being one of its key elements," he remarked.

He further added that creating such an ecosystem requires time, and Ukraine is "doing this step by step." However, he reassured that there have been no discussions regarding specific companies concerning the products necessary for creating this ecosystem.

Currently, Ukrainian experts in the Gulf countries are offering solutions that can enhance air defense systems, leveraging Ukraine's experience in new technological warfare. Aloyan underscored that arms exports are not prohibited, and the Interagency Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation and Export Control, which operates under the supervision of the NSDC, has resumed its work.

"This work is ongoing continuously. Approximately twice a month, meetings are held with the participation of all commission members. They regularly review over fifty different applications. These applications include not only requests for specific products but also for services, various components, and parts that fall under export control. This encompasses licensing and everything else. The entire range of issues that, according to our legislation, are subject to export control," the NSDC emphasized.

It is worth noting that on March 30, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine is preparing for the "proper opening of arms exports" to Middle Eastern countries. He stated that Kyiv plans to supply partners not only with interceptor drones but also with defense lines, software, electronic warfare systems, and other elements of defense infrastructure.