Rome, 29 April (LaPresse) – Ukraine aims to make arms exports a permanent feature of its economy, by utilising the ‘excess production capacity’ of its national defence sector whilst maintaining priority supply for the armed forces engaged in the conflict. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, announcing a new framework for international cooperation on the controlled sale of arms and military technology. According to the head of state, in certain production sectors Ukraine currently has “up to 50% surplus capacity” and exports will become a stable component of the country’s economic and military strategy. Supplies to the Ukrainian armed forces will, however, remain a priority, whilst surpluses will be directed towards foreign markets. Zelensky explained that the National Security and Defence Council will define the terms of agreements with international partners to ensure that “Ukrainian technologies and weapons do not end up in Russian hands”, whilst also providing for faster and more automated procedures for export authorisations. The Ukrainian president also outlined a new cooperation scheme called ‘Drone Deals’, already launched with countries in Europe, the Middle East, the Gulf and the Caucasus, with a proposal also for the United States, which includes drones, defence systems and other armaments. The revenues, he stressed, must be reinvested in strengthening national defence.