Fedorov: In coming days, there will be news about specific results on start of controlled arms exports

Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced in the coming days news about the start of controlled arms exports, but did not predict a specific number of drones that could be exported.

According to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, he made the statement at a news conference following the 33rd Ramstein format meeting in Brussels on Thursday.

"There will be news about concrete results in the coming days. Indeed, all partners are raising the issue of exports, everyone wants to participate in the production of Ukrainian drones. The president will soon announce new products created by Ukrainian enterprises and our partners’ enterprises. Today we already talked about Octopus, which is manufactured in Ukraine and Great Britain," the minister said.

Fedorov noted that a commission responsible for exports has already been formed. The corresponding decree was signed by the president several days ago.

"And essentially, the new process that has been approved will begin working in the coming days and weeks. So it’s difficult to forecast what the volume of exports will be this year," Fedorov said.

The defense minister clarified, however, that Ukraine plans to increase drone production this year and boost the military’s drone supply, which "applies to all types and kinds of drones."

"Given the doctrinal changes taking place on the battlefield, it’s important for us to produce more of some drone categories that we manufactured less of before," he said.

Fedorov explained that the question of drone quantities will largely depend on available funding, which was discussed with European partners on Wednesday.

"All of this will give us the answer to the question: how many drones Ukraine will be able to produce this year, and what types of drones. After that, in parallel, we will understand what can be exported. Because first and foremost, Ukrainian drones must work for the needs of the Ukrainian military in order to stop the enemy," he said.

As previously reported, the Interdepartmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation and Export Control Policy has resumed operations to fulfill the Ukrainian president’s task of opening controlled arms exports.