Recording: Understanding the Priorities for the Ukrainian Defence Industry: A Brief from the CEO of Ukroboronprom

Today, both Russia and NATO are facing industrial pressures in sustaining the intensity of the war, and ensuring the efficiency and continuity of supply is now critical to Ukraine's capacity to resist. At the heart of this effort is Ukroboronprom, Ukraine's state defence industrial organisation. Yuriy Husyev, Director-General of Ukroboronprom, visited RUSI to share his thoughts on Ukraine's defence industrial needs and the opportunities for collaboration between Ukraine and its international partners.

Originally from Zhytomyr, Husyev served from 2014–2016 as Deputy Defence Minister of Ukraine, and, subsequently, as the head of the Kherson Regional State Administration. In his current role, he oversees Ukraine's domestic defence industry. Ukroboronprom manages a wide range of subsidiaries which have been critical to the development and servicing of Ukraine's air defence network, with prestige systems like the Neptune anti-ship cruise missile and globally utilised aviation fleets produced by Antonov. Since the start of the war, the Ukrainian defence industry has had to restructure to sustain its forces in the face of the capture of many of its factories and testing facilities and the destruction of numerous manufacturing sites through Russia's long-range strike campaign.

In his RUSI address, Hyusev outlines how Ukroboronprom has attempted to meet the demands of the war, where the Ukrainian defence industry needs support, and where it can collaborate with Ukraine's international partners. As large volumes of NATO-designed heavy tanks enter Ukraine, the presentation also discusses the challenges of sustainment and maintaining Ukraine's military equipment.