Creation of NATO defense products certification system in Ukraine could be more dynamic

The planned switch of Ukrainian defense industry to NATO standards by 2020 prompts the necessity of creation of the NATO defense products certification system in Ukraine to be put on the agenda, the private defense industrial sector has said.

During the plenary discussion at the sixth international conference entitled "Defense Production, Sales and Acquisitions" organized by Razumkov Center jointly with the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) held in Kyiv on February 1 and February 2 Board Chairman of Practika Scientific and Production Association Oleh Vysotsky said that it would be hard for Ukrainian arms producers to pass certification meeting NATO standards.

"There are neither laboratories nor certification agencies [in Ukraine]," he said. He said that the certification of Ukrainian defense products to meet NATO standards is also linked to large financial expenses.

He expressed confidence that in three years the certification system could be created. He said that the issue requires urgent attention of the defense sector leaders of the country.

"There are few who understands that this is a delayed-action mine," he said.

Practika Scientific and Production Association, a leader among Ukrainian armored vehicle manufacturers, has been operating on the market since 1993.