Co-Founder of Buntar Aerospace: Ukraine Must Return to the Global Arms Market

The co-founder of the defense company Buntar Aerospace has underscored the urgent necessity for Ukraine to return to the global arms market. This move is not only seen as an opportunity for economic growth but also as a strategically important partnership that could last for decades. In the arms industry, countries do not change suppliers as easily as they change gloves.

Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Ukrainian defense sector has found itself in an extraordinarily challenging situation. On one hand, there is unprecedented interest from the international community in Ukrainian military technologies; on the other hand, there is a near-total absence of arms exports. This situation poses a crucial question for Ukraine: can it transform its military experience into a long-term economic and geopolitical strength?

Arms exports have always been a complex and regulated process. For any country, it primarily serves as a tool of geopolitics. Business in this sphere cannot and should not exist separately from the state, as it is a matter of national security and international relations.

Before the full-scale war began, Ukraine was actively exporting arms, primarily relying on the legacy of the Soviet military-industrial complex. However, following February 2022, this system effectively came to a halt. The new phase of the war paused export activities, as the country was forced to focus on meeting the enormous demands of the front lines, lacking sufficient capacity to produce new weapons.

Today, experts suggest that this pause is coming to an end. The state is beginning to restore its capabilities in the arms export sector, which could be a significant step towards economic recovery and strengthening Ukraine's international positions. It is crucial for Ukrainian arms manufacturers to receive support and investment to modernize their technologies and expand production capacities.

In light of the modern challenges faced by Ukraine, establishing cooperation with international partners is also essential. These partnerships can assist in the development of new technologies and production methods. This collaboration will enable Ukraine not only to regain its footing in the global arms market but also to become a significant player in this field.

Thus, Ukraine's return to the global arms market is not merely an economic task but also a vital element in ensuring national security and strengthening international relations. The successful implementation of this process will require efforts from the government, the business sector, and international partners.