Underground Factories and Caves: How Ukraine Can Protect Weapon Production.

European partners are interested in joint weapon production with Ukraine for several reasons. Moreover, there are agreements to launch enterprises on the territory of Ukraine.

“Jointly producing weapons is much more profitable. They increase their production. But if we have the capacity, people, the production, then why not invest in us parallelly,” said Viktor Yahun.

Secondly, Ukraine can test the produced weapons during combat operations.

“Ukraine tests weapon samples at the front line. Using the experience of modern combat operations, it provides complete information for correction, addition, or modernization,” said Yahun.

Thirdly, it is beneficial to produce weapons and their components directly in Ukraine.

“Some weapon manufacturers that supply us from Europe have decided to produce on the territory of Ukraine. A decision has been made regarding missiles for the anti-aircraft complex being produced in Norway,” Yahun said.

Previously, European defense enterprises did not operate at full capacity.

“Before 2014, only 10 tanks were produced annually in Germany. And now the question is about increasing production not only to arm Ukraine but also Europe. If there is a possibility to increase production in Ukraine and Europe, then, obviously, investments will be made in Ukraine,” Yahun noted.

Joint enterprises can be launched both on the territory of other countries and in Ukraine. The problem of organizing military production in Ukraine lies in security.

“Our only problem is that Russia can destroy enterprises through bombardment. Part of the Ukrainian enterprises has relocated to Central European countries. But we are considering protecting enterprises in Ukraine, possibly even relocating them underground. Such places exist in Ukraine. Regarding the production and assembly of products, they are already protected,” Yahun emphasized.

Ukraine gains jobs and economic benefits from organizing military production. The demand for Ukrainian technologies is high worldwide.

“Israel has succeeded thanks to its weapon production and supplying it to other countries. Ukraine also has a strong resonance of technological development production since they have been tested on the front line. This will contribute to the development of Ukraine's economy in the future,” Yahun concluded.