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The West may soon need Ukraine’s weapons as much as Ukraine needs ours
Ukraine has rapidly expanded its home-grown defence industry, changing its wartime relationship with Western allies from one centred on aid towards a two-way exchange. Its battlefield experience and fast development of weapons, particularly drones, could offer lessons and technology that Western militaries may increasingly want.
The article says more than half of the weapons used on the frontline were Ukrainian-made in April, while 95 per cent of drones procured by Ukraine’s Defence Procurement Agency were locally made. The number of Ukrainian defence-tech companies grew from 10 in 2022 to 1,500 by 2025, and about 600,000 drones have been ordered through the Brave1 marketplace since the start of this year. The system lets military units use points earned for verified missions to select equipment from approved suppliers, while at least 180 partnerships between Ukrainian and foreign defence firms have begun since Russia’s invasion.
In short
- Ukraine now makes more than half of the weapons used on its frontline.
- A military marketplace has facilitated orders for about 600,000 drones this year.
- Ukrainian defence firms are attracting partnerships with foreign companies.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Ukraine’s battlefield experience has driven rapid innovation in drones and other weapons, and its domestic industry could give Western militaries useful technology and practical lessons. A two-way defence relationship could strengthen Ukraine’s economy and resilience while helping allies adapt their forces more quickly.
The case against
Ukraine’s wartime successes may not translate directly to the needs of Western militaries, whose operating conditions, procurement systems and security obligations differ. Deepening reliance on a fast-growing wartime industry could also bring risks around quality assurance, supply capacity and sensitive technology, so allies may reasonably favour careful evaluation over rapid dependence.