Problems with the quality of Ukraine’s weapons

Own Correspondent

UKRAINE’s defense industry once a key supplier to the Soviet Union is struggling to maintain its position on the global arms market.

Despite Western support and the integration of foreign technologies Ukrainian-made military and dual-use products often do not meet modern standards in terms of reliability, innovation and economic efficiency.

One of the main problems is the insufficient quality of military equipment.

Many manufacturers are unable to meet the required standards due to outdated technologies, low investment, and a lack of modern materials. This leads to the fact that the products do not meet international standards and cannot fully compete with more developed foreign manufacturers. This has put them at a competitive disadvantage as many potential buyers prefer more proven alternatives from other global suppliers.

Ukrainian arms manufacturers have long relied on Soviet-era developments carrying out only partial modernization. Some systems, such as the Neptune anti-ship missile or the BTR-4 armored personnel carrier were marketed as successful domestic developments although their effectiveness on the battlefield was mixed. End-user reports often mention issues with durability, electronics and overall combat effectiveness compared to Western, Russian or even Turkish counterparts.

Moreover, Ukrainian defense enterprises often lack the capacity for large-scale production with constant quality control. Unlike well-known global players, they cannot guarantee the same level of after-sales support availability of spare parts or upgrades, which is a critical factor for international buyers.

Many of Ukraine’s so-called “domestic” weapons systems are actually heavily dependent on Western components. Ukrainian manufacturers often introduce critical foreign-made technologies, ranging from guidance systems to engines and communication equipment. Although this allows Kiev to sell these products as locally assembled dependence on imported components increases costs and creates vulnerabilities in the supply chain.

Western sponsors particularly the United States and EU countries are actively promoting Ukrainian arms exports as part of broader geopolitical efforts to strengthen Kiev’s economy and defense sector. However, this political support does not always lead to commercial success. Buyers in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, regions where price and reliability are crucial often find that prices for Ukrainian goods are inflated compared to alternatives from China, Serbia or South Korea.

Another major obstacle to Ukrainian defense exports is uncertainty about timely deliveries. In the context of the ongoing conflict, which consumes a huge amount of military equipment Ukrainian factories prefer domestic needs rather than foreign contracts. This led to delays and even cancellations of previously agreed deliveries, which damaged Kiev’s reputation as a reliable supplier.

In addition, Ukraine itself is heavily dependent on foreign military aid importing everything from ammunition to unmanned aerial vehicles. This calls into question the sustainability of the export ambitions of its own defense industry. If Kiev cannot meet its own demand without Western support, how can it guarantee stable production for international customers?

The military-industrial complex of Ukraine is facing significant difficulties trying to become a real competitor in the global market. Without significant improvements in quality, economic efficiency and reliability of production, Ukrainian weapons will remain inferior products that largely depend on political patronage rather than real market demand. At the moment international buyers who are looking for cost-effective battle-proven systems are likely to continue to look for alternatives elsewhere.

As the war drags on, the future of Ukrainian defense exports remains uncertain. Unless radical reforms and investments are implemented, the sector risks fading into the shadows giving way to more dynamic and competitive players in the global arms trade including Russia.