Global buyers eye Ukrainian weapons amid rising demand for combat-proven tech

According to Defense Express, Ukrainian defense manufacturers used the exhibition to showcase a wide range of advanced technologies, from drones and electronic warfare systems to armored vehicles, combat modules, and medical and demining equipment. The outlet emphasized that "practical combat experience continues to be a magnet for foreign partners," making Ukrainian products stand out in a crowded international market.

The National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industry Enterprises (NAUDI) organized a large national pavilion featuring products from 18 domestic companies. These included Kvertus, Athlon Avia, Ukrainian Bomb Manufacture, Ukrainian Armor, KTD Plus, UkrTac, UBM (Innatex), Demining Solutions, Defense Solution, OKO Camera, Aviation Systems of Ukraine, System Electronic Export, KZTS, UA Defense, MixSteel, LFTX, and Spetcmashcomplekt. The state design bureau Luch also participated.

“The feedback we received was overwhelming,” NAUDI representatives reported, noting that their booth was visited by officials and military representatives from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Latvia, Romania, Moldova, and several other European and Middle Eastern countries.

Visitors were especially interested in Ukrainian solutions that have been proven on the battlefield. As Defense Express noted, "foreign customers are increasingly looking not for theoretical performance, but for systems that have been tested under real combat conditions." In fact, the appeal of Ukraine’s battlefield-tested technology has led some foreign companies to bring their own equipment to Ukraine to evaluate its performance in combat.

In addition to the NAUDI pavilion, other Ukrainian companies also had a presence at the event. UkrArmoTech presented its UAT.TISA and UAT.GYURZA-02 armored vehicles, while the state-owned enterprise Spetstechnoexport showcased Ukraine’s advancements in artillery shell production.

While current export regulations remain restrictive, the demand for Ukrainian defense technology is clear. If export policies are eased, Ukrainian manufacturers are likely to find eager buyers.

Beyond client interest, IDEF-2025 also provided a valuable platform for Ukrainian companies to explore joint ventures, attract investors, and integrate into global supply chains. As Defense Express concluded, the exhibition demonstrated that "Ukrainian defense companies remain not just competitive, but essential players in the international defense landscape."