Ukraine, Allies Launch Joint Weapons Production Under Ramstein Format

Ukraine is launching a joint weapons production program with international partners – both inside Ukraine and in countries participating in the Ramstein format – a coalition of over 50 countries coordinating military support for Ukraine, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said during a meeting with journalists on Thursday, June 26.

The bill is already registered in parliament. Authorities expect it to take effect bya September.

“Our goal is to create legislative tools to stimulate the inflow of investment into our country,” Umerov said. 

Although Ukraine aims to strengthen partnerships with European defense initiatives, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense also wants to enlarge the share of locally made production. 

Ukrainian drone manufacturers with at least 50% of total production in Ukraine are already preferred for three, five, or ten-year contracts with the state, according to the Ministry’s previous public comments. 

“Now, there are 21 initiatives to localize production in Ukraine with the world’s largest arms manufacturers, and up to ten projects abroad. All are at different stages — some have firm agreements, others are still in negotiation,” Umerov said.

Safety is key for the defense enterprises – Umerov voiced the plan to move them in regions that are difficult for Russian attacks to reach, and equipping them with extra air defense. 

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“As for production facilities in Ukraine – we are also working on the possibility of concentrating it in specific regions, where we can ensure the physical security of these plants. If we’re talking about long-term investments and contracts, our strategic interest is to have these facilities protected by air defense systems,” Umerov said.

Ukraine is also stepping up cooperation with US and European defense companies. Joint production with German firms covers armored vehicles, artillery, and ammunition. US partners are involved in drone, artillery, and ammo projects.

According to Umerov, joint ventures are key. They allow receiving orders from Western governments, operating within the EU and accessing NATO markets and improving the quality of Ukrainian weapons and gaining access to advanced technologies.

Ukrainian involvement in foreign defense production is another form of international support, Umerov said. Countries like the United Kingdom are exploring ways to hire Ukrainians at new defense manufacturing enterprises.

Ukraineʼs Ministry of Defense provides key guarantees for joint projects. From the Ukrainian side, the Minister or an authorized representative ensures contract signing, locating a secure site, and protecting the production facility if it is located in Ukraine.

The share of domestically produced military equipment used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine stood at 30% in 2024, with domestic production capacity up sixfold in 2023.

The total volume of weapons production in Ukraine stood at $10 billion last year, according to the Ukrainian Armament Manufacturers Council, which groups private defense manufacturers.