**Ukraine’s Defense Industry Takes Center Stage**
The world has finally acknowledged that more needs to be done to support Ukraine in its war against Russia. This is an era of rearmament, and a new global security architecture is being formed. But what will it look like, and where will Ukraine fit in?
For years, the international community has provided military aid to Ukraine. Now, the focus should shift to how Ukraine can enhance its cooperation with the US defense industry to make this partnership work.
**Strengthening Ukraine’s Private Defense Sector**
Ukraine’s private defense sector has shown impressive ability to scale up and deliver new tech solutions. However, simply increasing production is not enough; full-scale procurement is needed. This means improving domestic defense procurement and granting export licenses to manufacturers.
Reducing production costs for the Ukrainian military and bringing critical revenues to Ukraine’s state budget are also crucial. Controlled exports of Ukrainian defense technology and equipment to allied countries should be a priority.
**Building Strategic Partnerships with US Defense Companies**
American startups have invested billions in drone production, which is vital for future warfare. However, their products can be expensive and underperforming. In contrast, Ukraine’s private sector has scaled up production to over 3 million drones annually.
Now is the time to build on this demand and supply – based on exports, joint ventures, B2B partnerships, and co-development of military technology. Ukrainian companies are eager to share their expertise, and the Pentagon has shown interest.
**A Historic Crossroads**
Ukraine has the opportunity to establish a relationship with the White House not as an aid recipient but as a strategic security partner with valuable contributions to offer. European Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius, warned that this is the greatest security crisis of our lifetimes, and we must take great decisions.
Without a new European security system, there will be no victory over Russia and no lasting peace. The EU understands this and has introduced the ReArm Europe plan – an 800 billion euro vision for ramping up European defense spending and production over the next few years.
**Ukraine’s Place in the New Global Security Architecture**
Europe is taking a path similar to Ukraine’s since 2014. It should leverage Ukraine’s experience, innovation, and technology to benefit shared defense and security. The EU Commission has outlined seven key investment priorities: drones, ammunition, and missiles – all areas where Ukraine has unique expertise gained due to the ongoing war.
Our partners must go beyond providing military assistance to Ukraine. They must expand production with Ukrainian manufacturers, co-develop new technologies, and field-test them with Ukraine’s defense forces.
**Changing Up is Hard**
But Ukraine’s painful experience can help change Europe and become a pillar of the continent’s security. Integrating Ukraine into the global defense ecosystem isn’t a bonus; it’s a necessity – one that could shape the outcome of this war.
The free world can no longer rely on weapons made by dictatorships. Ukraine is capable of not only holding the line but also exporting security globally.
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