Zelenskyy announces creation of Alliance of Defense Industries and world's first fleet of naval drones

He made the announcement during his speech.

"Today at this Forum, we will announce the creation of the Alliance of Defense Industries - an alliance that values international law and is able to work for the real protection of international law and security. And I'm talking not only about Ukraine, but about the security of any nation in the world against any aggression," the President said.

According to him, Ukraine has developed a corresponding basic declaration as the foundation of the alliance. It can be joined by manufacturers of weapons and military equipment from around the world who "share the intention to provide real protection against aggression in this high-risk environment of our time."

"Today, at its inception, 13 prominent companies have already signed this declaration, showing their readiness to build a new arsenal of the free world alongside Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.

In addition, the head of state announced the development of a special economic regime for the defense industry.

"To give every company that works for defense in Ukraine and with Ukraine, or that wants to come to Ukraine, every opportunity to realize its potential," the president added.

He also emphasized that a special defense fund will be established in Ukraine to provide additional resources, in particular for the development of military production and support for relevant cooperation to create new military facilities and programs necessary for the defense and care of Ukrainian soldiers.

"The fund's resources will be an addition to the state's expenditures on defense, defense production, and private investments. The fund will be replenished through dividends from state-owned defense assets and profits from the sale of confiscated Russian assets," Zelenskyy said.

The world's first fleet of naval drones

"We are creating the world's first fleet of naval drones, which makes Russian warships meaningless and forces them to hide," the president said.

According to him, Ukraine has started producing guns and shells in accordance with NATO standards. And Ukrainian anti-tank missile systems are more long-range and safer to operate than a number of analogs.

The Defense Industries Forum: what is known

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy first mentioned the Defense Industries Forum in early August at a conference of Ukrainian ambassadors in Uzhhorod.

On August 17, he announced that the first Defense Industries Forum would be held in the fall, which is intended to bring together Ukrainian and foreign arms manufacturers and give a new security impetus to the world.

Zelenskyy added that the Forum is planned as the first recording of Ukraine's defense industry achievements.

"To demonstrate what we already can do well. Consider what we can add to our capabilities, in particular through the creation of new production facilities in Ukraine, through localization with partners. And, of course, we have to give a new security impetus to everyone in the world who values their statehood and freedom as much as we do. Nations have the right to defense. We are building the arsenal of the free world together," the president emphasized.

Later, on September 16, Zelenskyy said that 86 of the world's leading defense companies - representing 21 countries - had already confirmed their participation in the Defense Industries Forum to be held in Ukraine this fall.

According to him, preparations for the Defense Industry Forum are ongoing, and interest in it is very high, which fully reflects Ukraine's strength and potential.

On September 25, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that 165 defense companies from 26 countries had confirmed their participation in the Defense Industry Forum in Kyiv.