Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal took part in the International Defense Industries Forum (DFNC) held in Kyiv.
The event was attended by President Volodymyr Zelensky and a number of foreign guests, including Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof.
“Together with our partners, Ukraine is laying the foundation for lasting peace and a new architecture of European security. This forum is designed to serve as a platform for Ukrainian manufacturers, international companies, investors, and associations to jointly establish new production facilities, launch joint R&D projects, and implement investment initiatives,” said Denys Shmyhal.
The Minister of Defense of Ukraine participated in a panel discussion focused on deepening industrial cooperation within the Build with Ukraine and Build in Ukraine initiatives, as well as on new research and development in the defense sector. The discussion included Luke Pollard, UK Minister for Defense Industry and Readiness; Troels Lund Poulsen, Minister of Defense of Denmark; Morten Bødskov, Minister for Industry, Business, and Financial Affairs of Denmark; and Tarja Jaakkola, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defense Investment, Innovation, and Armaments.
According to Shmyhal, Ukraine seeks to implement joint projects with partner nations not only abroad but also by launching new enterprises and production capacities domestically.
Within the Build with Ukraine and Build in Ukraine initiatives, cooperation has already been established with more than 25 companies. By the end of the year, Ukraine plans to conclude seven additional agreements under Build with Ukraine.
“At the same time, we are developing a new approach to organizing military product exports during wartime. The President has announced a new export strategy. In the coming months, we will actively work on its implementation to share with our allies not only experience and expertise but also battlefield-proven products,” Shmyhal emphasized.
He noted that some manufacturers have surplus capacity, making it essential to find ways to export military products to partner nations while ensuring the needs of the front are met.
Another focus area is the development of the drone market.
“We have developed a relevant government strategy and are working on the necessary legislative changes. We are implementing state programs of grants and preferential loans for drone developers. Next, we plan to integrate drone manufacturers into Defence City and open this segment not only for UAVs but also for producers of ground-based robotic military systems,” the Defense Minister highlighted.
He added that the integration of artificial intelligence continues across all domains — in the air, on land, at sea, in information, and in cyberspace. Artificial intelligence is becoming a true game-changer on the battlefield.
“We are grateful to everyone who supports Ukraine. We share one common goal — a strong Europe and lasting peace,” concluded Denys Shmyhal
