Ukraine took part for the first time in the NEDS (National Exhibition for Defense and Security) defense exhibition held in Rotterdam.
This was announced by the Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine, Herman Smetanin, who addressed the opening of the event via video.
Herman Smetanin expressed gratitude to the Dutch government for the invitation and for the significant support provided to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion.
The Minister also noted that the Netherlands was one of the first countries to join the ZBROYARI: Manufacturing Freedom initiative. He emphasized that the partnership between Ukraine and the Netherlands is expanding and now includes the defense industry.
More than 10 Ukrainian companies are represented at the exhibition, producing a wide range of military equipment and weapons. Among them are both traditional equipment and advanced military-technical innovations.
Ukrainian manufacturers are open to cooperation and offer various forms of partnership, including joint projects for repair and maintenance of equipment, the creation of joint ventures, the opening of local offices and R&D centers, as well as the supply of components.
The Minister invited all exhibition participants to engage in dialogue with Ukrainian companies, hoping that this meeting would mark the beginning of long-term and fruitful cooperation between the defense industries of Ukraine and the Netherlands, contributing to enhanced security and the development of defense capabilities.
