Defense Industries Forum: 165 companies from 26 countries confirm participation

Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba shared this development on Twitter.

Kuleba stated, "Our Defense Industry Forum has secured participation from 165 defense companies across 26 nations. This represents a significant boost to collaborative production and strengthening Ukraine and its partnerships."

He further emphasized that he, along with Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin and Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, is actively working to ensure the success of the upcoming Forum in Kyiv.

Key details about the Defense Industries Forum 

The inaugural Defense Industries Forum was first mentioned by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in early August during a gathering of Ukrainian ambassadors in Uzhhorod.

President Zelenskyy officially announced the forthcoming Defense Industries Forum on August 17, with the goal of bringing together both Ukrainian and international arms manufacturers to enhance global security.

The Forum aims to showcase the accomplishments of Ukraine's defense-industrial complex, highlighting its current capabilities and exploring opportunities for further growth, including the establishment of new production facilities and collaborations with international partners. President Zelenskyy underscored the Forum's significance in bolstering the security of nations worldwide that cherish their sovereignty and freedom, stating, "Nations have the right to protection, and we are collectively building the arsenal of the free world."

Later updates on September 16 revealed that 86 leading defense companies from 21 countries have confirmed their participation, underscoring the strong global interest in the event. The ongoing preparations for the Defense Industries Forum reflect Ukraine's strength and potential in the defense sector.