Western partners view Ukraine’s defense industry as collection of individual manufacturers due to lack of state strategy – Zaluzhny

Western allies view Ukraine’s defense industry as a collection of individual manufacturers rather than a unified system, due to the absence of a comprehensive national strategy, state funding, and long-term planning. Valeriy Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom and a former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, made this observation at the Ekonomichna Pravda’s fourth annual export forum in Kyiv.

Zaluzhny highlighted that a defense sector relies on three essential pillars: research and personnel training, production, and controlled operation, which all require a coordinated state approach.

Currently, Ukraine boasts approximately 500 manufacturers, each focusing on specific niche markets and developing their products independently. Zaluzhny criticized the current perception of Ukraine as merely a group of manufacturers trying to sell their respective products. He emphasized that without state support and technological capabilities, Ukraine's defense industry will likely remain a niche model, catering to specific needs necessary for achieving victory, particularly through collaboration with foreign partners.

Zaluzhny acknowledged that while Ukraine has made some progress, it still lacks the necessary technological capabilities and resources to fully develop its defense industry. He suggested that Ukraine might adopt a niche model, focusing on fulfilling targeted objectives to achieve victory in the Russia-Ukraine War. For example, foreign partners like the United Kingdom could supply missile engines, while other countries might contribute space-related capabilities, among other possibilities.

Zaluzhny expressed doubts about Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex rapidly expanding into foreign markets, citing the lack of military doctrines among NATO member states and the ongoing development of new technologies.