Gov’t expands list of licensed importers of military goods

That’s according to a government decision made at a meeting on February 10, Ukrinform reports, referring to the Economy Ministry.

It is noted that the move will help develop and increase production volumes at defense enterprises manufacturing various weapons, including unmanned aerial vehicles.

"We are working for our victory, strengthening the production potential of our domestic defense industry. A few more Ukrainian enterprises got the opportunity to import components for the manufacture of weapons without unnecessary intermediaries. Thus, the move is aimed at liberalizing the market. It will also allow us to significantly pace up the processes of manufacturing and supplying to the front the weapons our defenders need so much now," said First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy Yulia Svyridenko.

She added that the manufacture of weapons specifically for the needs of the Ukrainian Army is key priority.

"It is obvious to everyone: the export of military products today is possible only if the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces clearly state that there is no need for these types of products for defending Ukraine. But for the future, the decision opens an opportunity for Ukrainian manufacturers, who already manufacture products in line with NATO standards, to integrate into the value added chains of Western nations. And this is important, because already today we are creating a powerful cluster, which should become a driving force for the recovery and intensive economy development after we win this war," Svyridenko said.

The Ministry of Economy reminds that earlier the government exempted a number of military and dual-use goods from the state export control mandate. In particular, this is about metal and non-metal armored plates, helmets, bulletproof vests, etc.

Photo from defense-ua.com