...

Ukraine Urges European Partners to Invest in Its Defense-Industrial Base

by Roman Cheplyk
Monday, May 26, 2025
2 MIN
Ukraine Urges European Partners to Invest in Its Defense-Industrial Base

OFDeF Conference highlights drone expertise, ammunition gaps, and joint-venture opportunities

Conference Snapshot

Event Operational Force Development Framework (OFDeF)
Location Poland
Attendees 300+ delegates from Ukraine, NATO, EU, and allied states
Ukrainian Lead Serhii Boiev, First Deputy Minister of Defense

1. Key Messages From Ukraine

  • Industrial Transformation: Ukraine has rapidly scaled domestic arms production but needs foreign capital to “win the war of industries.”

  • Investment Appeal: Boiev showcased ready-to-scale projects that can plug into the European defense-production ecosystem.

  • Drone Leadership:

    • Battle-proven UAV designs

    • Tailored for modern, high-intensity warfare

    • Cost advantage vs. imported systems

  • Critical Shortfalls:

    • Multi-caliber ammunition

    • Air-defense and missile-defense assets

Serhii Boiev: “The future of the democratic world is being decided in Ukraine—systemic, large-scale action is needed now.”


2. Strategic Investment Opportunities

Segment Why Ukraine? Partner Benefit
UAV Co-production Combat-tested tech, rapid R&D cycles Fast market entry, lower unit costs
Ammunition Lines High domestic demand, existing facilities EU stockpile replenishment, economies of scale
Air-Defense Components Urgent operational need Shared IP, joint export potential

3. Coordination Mechanisms

  • Ukraine-EU Defense Industry Working Group – launched May 2025 in Brussels to align projects with EU funding tools.

  • E5 Ministerial Track – ongoing dialogue with Italy, Germany, France, UK, Poland on long-term defense programs.


Why Act Now?

  • Combat-Proven Supply Chain: Ukrainian factories produce under real wartime conditions—an R&D advantage difficult to replicate.

  • Shared Security Stakes: Strengthening Ukraine’s industry reduces Europe’s own capability gaps.

  • First-Mover Advantage: Early investors gain priority access to IP, contracts, and future EU co-financing.

You will be interested