Ukrainian manufacturers push to lift arms export ban to defeat Russia. Serhiy Zgurets' column

First of all, I would like to congratulate Ukrainian soldiers on the Day of the Land Forces of Ukraine. They are the largest branch of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the heroes who hold back the enemy on the front line with their character, skills and courage. I don't think any army in the world has such experienced ground troops.

Finnish company Summa Drones establishes joint venture with Ukrainian UAV manufacturers

Beyond heroism, weapons are essential. We rely on our capabilities and partner support. However, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump stated in a Times interview that he opposes sending missiles capable of striking deep into Russian territory, referencing those supplied to Ukraine. In my opinion, such missiles are necessary to limit the enemy's ability to attack Ukraine.  

Therefore, it is crucial to develop domestic production of long-range missiles and drones or collaborate with international defense companies. Finnish defense group Summa Defense has joined this effort, planning a UAV factory in Finland in partnership with Ukrainian firms. This includes air, ground, and naval drone systems. Summa Defense is creating a subsidiary, Summa Drones, to collaborate with Ukrainian companies like KORT, Skyassist, and MPS Development, which develop drones, components, and software for Ukraine's Defense Forces.

Ukrainian technologies belong only to Ukraine

Vadym Kodachyhov, Director of KORT and former commander of a unit in Ukraine's 36th Marine Brigade, noted significant global interest in Ukrainian military technologies. This interest prompted Summa Defense to collaborate with Ukrainian manufacturers. Kodachyhov mentioned that the Finnish proposal was not the only one and clarified that KORT specializes in developing communication tools, UAVs, and anti-drone systems. He added that KORT and Summa Defense are establishing a joint venture based on two key positions.

First, Ukrainian technologies will not be transferred to anyone; they remain the property of Ukrainian companies. Under the partnership terms, the companies will establish an assembly line that enables the Finnish army to incorporate Ukrainian technologies for its needs. Kodachyhov noted that their systems will equip the armies of all countries bordering Russia, allowing them to effectively defend against Russia and deliver a strong response in the event of aggression.

Second, a key condition for establishing joint ventures with any countries assisting Ukraine is that part of the weaponry produced, such as in Finland with Summa Defense, must be purchased by the Finnish side for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The state should allow the export of Ukrainian weapons

Vadym Kodachyhov emphasized that the main issue remains the state's lack of understanding that funding should go to manufacturers, not importers, who are merely logistics companies. Ukrainian firms cannot compete with Chinese producers in terms of quantity. According to him, this war against Russia cannot be won by numbers alone. If Ukraine buys 1,000 drones from China, Russia will purchase 10,000. Therefore, Ukraine must focus on technology, which is perhaps the only chance to win this war.  

To achieve this, the state must support manufacturers who design and produce drones. Kodachyhov noted that Ukrainian producers reinvest all their earnings into new developments to enhance the efficiency of the Defense Forces. One reason for this is that every manufacturer understands the importance of competition.

Vadym Kodachyhov also mentioned that KORT has a contract with Ukraine's Ministry of Defense. However, such a contract would sustain production for no more than 15 days. The enterprise's workload barely exceeds 10% due to insufficient work volumes. This is primarily because the state lacks the budget to fund purchases. According to Kodachyhov, the only solution to this problem is lifting the ban on arms exports.

TerMIT platform - a robotic system that facilitates military work on the front line

Maxym Vasylchenko, co-founder and director of the ground robotic systems manufacturer Tencore, introduced the modular ground robotic platform TerMIT. The platform is primarily used for logistical tasks, such as transporting cargo via remote control, ensuring maximum safety for military personnel. Vasylchenko added that the platform can also be utilized for engineering tasks and as a remote-controlled turret.

                                                                                                                            TerMIT platform, photo: tencore.com.ua

Maxym Vasylchenko shared how they managed to rapidly scale up the production of the TerMIT platform. He noted that he and his partners have long been involved in the machinery industry, providing them with extensive experience in scaling developments. However, they were unprepared for the fast-changing dynamics of the battlefield and the rapid evolution of technologies. Vasylchenko emphasized that the company is still adapting to these changes, with key ideas and innovations coming directly from soldiers on the front lines.

Maxym Vasylchenko explained that the modular design of the TerMIT platform allows for customizable tactical and technical specifications. For instance, its range can be adjusted to suit specific battlefield tasks. Additionally, any type of communication system can be installed on the platform, ensuring that enemy forces cannot intercept frequencies while enabling Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel to utilize their existing communication tools or engineering solutions.

Tencore is to receive its first contract from the state

Maksym Vasylchenko said that today the main customers of the TerMIT platform are the Kolo Foundation and the Come Back Alive Foundation of Taras Chmut, the charity foundation of Serhiy Prytula, and businesses that want to help the army. Vasylchenko said that the company has no contracts or agreements with the Ministry of Defense, and that negotiations are underway with the SSSCIP. A number of bureaucratic issues are being resolved, as Vasylchenko noted that the state was not ready for war. Vasylchenko expressed hope that the company would receive its first contract with the State Special Communications Service by the end of the year. According to him, the Association of Robotic Forces of Ukraine has been created on the part of developers, and therefore manufacturers and developers will try to cooperate with the state more fruitfully and effectively.