Energetic exports mask modernisation issues for Ukrainian industry
Ukrainian defence conglomerate Ukroboronprom has announced its largest export figures since 2014. Exports of vehicles such as the BTR-4E (pictured) have been one of its export successes, along with aircraft MRO. (Photo: Ukroboronprom)
While much attention focuses on the equipment Ukraine is receiving from foreign allies in its current stand-off with Russia, the domestic defence industry has been particularly active in overseas markets.
Ukroboronprom (UOP) appears to be in rude health in terms of exports, but structural and organisational issues dating back to the Soviet era continue to hamper the Ukrainian state-owned defence conglomerate.
UOP recorded its highest annual export sales since 2014, the company announced on its website on 19 January. It stated that ‘total economic activity’ for 2021 reached $1.11 billion, marking a $127.6 million increase over 2020.
Ukrspecexport and Spetstechnoexport — the export agencies within UOP — secured $608.4 million in foreign business, and the conglomerate delivered $506.9 million worth of products. UOP added that it sealed $803.4 million in
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Ukraine-Russia News: Technology and Equipment Spotlight
-
![Reporting on Russia's invasion of Ukraine (podcast)]()
Reporting on Russia's invasion of Ukraine (podcast)
In a new-look Shephard Defence Podcast, the news team discusses the rapidly-evolving situation in Ukraine and latest developments following Russia's unprovoked invasion.
-
![Italy may donate 155mm howitzers to Ukraine]()
Italy may donate 155mm howitzers to Ukraine
Ukraine could obtain more 155mm howitzers — this time from Italy — as Kyiv seeks to tip the artillery balance against Russia.
-
![Germany mulls supplying IRIS-T to Ukraine]()
Germany mulls supplying IRIS-T to Ukraine
Will Germany decide to provide ten medium-range SAM systems to Ukraine?
-
![Reina Isabel returns to port after partial failure to complete Ukraine delivery]()
Reina Isabel returns to port after partial failure to complete Ukraine delivery
The Spanish Navy support vessel Reina Isabel returned to its homeport on 13 May after a mission to deliver arms, ammunition and Ukraine — although Kyiv did not receive everything it expected.
-
![Pitfalls remain with giving Ukraine modern fighter jets]()
Pitfalls remain with giving Ukraine modern fighter jets
It seems appealing to fast-track pilot training by conducting most flights on simulators and omitting certain procedures if the West were to give more modern aircraft for Ukraine’s air force, but it might prove challenging in practice.
-
![Down, but not out (Comment)]()
Down, but not out (Comment)
The sinking in April of the Russian Navy’s Black Sea flagship, although not evidence of a major change in the naval domain, is a far cry from the pre-emptive scuttling of Ukraine’s own flagship. The donation of increasingly advanced materiel demonstrates increased faith in Ukraine’s ability to resist the Russian invaders.
