Summary of "Українська балістика та зенітні ракети | Експорт | Виробництво боєприпасів – Ігор Федірко"

Interview with Igor Fedirko on Ukraine’s Defense Industry

The video features an in-depth interview with Igor Fedirko, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Council of Gunsmiths, discussing the current state, challenges, and future prospects of Ukraine’s defense industry. The conversation focuses on ballistics, missile production, drone technology, exports, and industrial cooperation.

Key Points

1. Ukrainian Council of Gunsmiths

Established in February 2023, modeled after European defense industry associations.
Unites six defense associations and one venture fund to represent the entire private Ukrainian defense sector.
Member associations cover electronic warfare, drones, classic weapons, armored vehicles, robotics, and startups.
Acts as a consolidated voice for the industry, facilitating cooperation with government and international partners.
The venture fund invests exclusively in Ukrainian defense startups, helping attract domestic and foreign investment.
Serves as a bridge between investors and defense companies, promoting joint ventures and international production partnerships.

2. Private vs. State Defense Sector

The council includes only private companies; state-owned enterprises remain under Ukroboronprom.
A new defense brand, “Zbroia,” aims to unify both private and public sectors under one export and marketing identity.
The private sector is increasingly entering traditional state-dominated areas such as rocketry, anti-tank systems, mortars, and howitzers.

3. Production Capabilities and Innovations

Ukrainian defense production has significantly increased despite wartime challenges.
Some enterprises can produce over 1.5 million FPV drones annually.
Development and production of new weapon systems are underway, including drone missiles, deep strike drones, and attempts at cruise and ballistic missiles.
Ballistic missile development is progressing but not yet at serial production; cruise missile programs are active.
Air defense missile production focuses on modernizing old Soviet missiles (e.g., R60 KM) due to limited capacity for new missile development.
Drone-based air defense is prioritized as a cost-effective solution compared to expensive Western missile systems.
Electronic warfare and radar systems have seen good progress with rapid adaptation to battlefield feedback.
Engine manufacturing, especially for drones and deep strike weapons, is reviving with some companies producing complete engines in-house.

4. Challenges with Components and Supply Chain

Ukraine remains dependent on imported microchips, transistors, and rare earth materials, mostly from China.
Recent Chinese export restrictions on key components (magnets, rare earths) threaten production timelines.
Alternatives from Southeast Asia, Europe, and South America exist but are more expensive and logistically challenging.
Integrating Ukrainian defense manufacturing into European supply chains is recognized as a strategic goal.

5. Robotics and Reconnaissance

Ground robotic complexes are becoming more prominent, with improvements in operator training and survivability.
Reconnaissance drones face heavy losses due to Russian countermeasures; manufacturers rapidly adapt products based on military feedback.
The private market, including military units with their own budgets, drives innovation and adaptation.

6. Armored Vehicles and Heavy Platforms

Five competitive private manufacturers produce light armored vehicles, with efforts toward standardization and interoperability to ease battlefield logistics.
The role of light armored vehicles is expected to decrease as drones and robotic complexes become more prevalent.
Heavy tracked platforms (e.g., Lynx, Bradley) are expensive and less prioritized compared to drones and robotic systems.
Discussions about importing or localizing production of advanced armored vehicles like the German Lynx are ongoing but remain tentative.

7. Artillery and Ammunition

The “Bogdana” artillery system is undergoing modernization, including integration of ballistic calculators and improved fire control, potentially increasing effectiveness by 40%.
Ammunition production is substantial, reportedly exceeding European production volumes, but mostly focused on standard calibers (120, 122, 152, 155 mm).
Licensing issues, especially with French partners, limit production of some calibers.
Laser-guided munitions and precision systems face challenges due to cost, vulnerability, and battlefield conditions.
The Czech Republic’s ammunition initiative is a significant support mechanism.
Ammunition storage and distribution are complicated by the threat of enemy strikes on production facilities.

8. Export and International Cooperation

Ukraine produces about 40% of its defense industry’s potential output; exports are crucial to fully utilize capacity.
A proposed export duty (estimated 7–15%) would fund reinvestment into weapons production for the Ukrainian military.
Export controls and contract safeguards exist via the Interdepartmental Commission for Military-Technical Cooperation (ICMT) and related bodies to ensure state interests and the ability to recall production for domestic needs.
Export markets are currently limited to countries with security agreements; African and some Asian markets are considered longer-term prospects.
“Build with Ukraine” is a program for exporting technology and know-how to establish production abroad, distinct from arms exports.
Ukrainian defense startups have relatively low capitalization compared to European counterparts; international partnerships aim to raise their profile and capacity.
The absence of Chinese components is a significant challenge, but Ukraine aims to become a key component supplier for European and allied defense industries.

9. Training and Private Military Schools

Private drone training schools have trained around 300,000 personnel over four years.
These schools want to export training services, which could become a revenue source.
Regulatory and definitional challenges remain regarding private military companies versus training providers.

10. Outlook and Priorities for 2025–2026

Continued expansion of drone and robotic complex production and deployment.
Further development of missile programs to enable deep strikes on enemy territory.
Need for stable, longer-term contracts (at least one year) to ensure production sustainability.
Focus on increasing production automation and capacity utilization.
Strategic integration into European supply chains and legislative adaptations to facilitate overseas production duplication.
Emphasis on balancing cost-effectiveness with advanced capabilities in weapon systems.

Presenters / Contributors

Igor Fedirko – Executive Director, Ukrainian Council of Gunsmiths
Interviewer/Host (unnamed) from Ukrainian Radobrazeriv and Militarny weapons project