WORLD EXPERIENCE IN ASSISTANCE TO UKRAINE IN MODERNIZATION OF THE DEFENSE-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX IN THE CONDITIONS OF MODERN CHALLENGES

Abstract

The article analyzes the world experience in assisting Ukraine in the modernization of the defense-industrial complex in the conditions of modern challenges. The experience of Germany, France, and Great Britain in assisting Ukraine in the modernization of the defense-industrial complex in the conditions of modern challenges demonstrates a comprehensive approach that combines political decisions, financial instruments, technology transfer, and human capital development. France, Great Britain, and Germany combined urgent supplies of weapons with the conclusion of agreements on repair, maintenance, and the creation of joint ventures, which allow them to simultaneously meet urgent military needs and lay an industrial base for future development. Of particular importance is the localization of repair and service centers directly in Ukraine, which reduces equipment downtime and reduces dependence on external logistics routes, as demonstrated by examples of cooperation with Rheinmetall.

An important element of assistance has become the practice of «ring exchange» mechanisms, which have allowed for the acceleration of the transfer of heavy equipment through exchanges between allies, but at the same time have revealed the need to replenish stocks from donors themselves. An equally important aspect is a systematic approach to technology transfer: the creation of joint ventures, training programs, and research cooperations allows for adapting Western solutions to Ukrainian conditions and ensures long-term sustainability.

The key factor ensuring industrial growth is long-term government orders and guarantees of demand. They motivate companies to invest in a large-scale increase in the production of ammunition and complex systems. At the same time, significant barriers have emerged in practice – regulatory export control procedures, limited industrial resources, a shortage of qualified personnel, and the vulnerability of logistics. These factors require a multi-level solution through policy harmonization among allies, investment in labor, and infrastructure modernization.

An important component of support has been the training of human capital: the British Operation Interflex and other training programs have proven that without properly trained crews, engineers, and technicians, the effectiveness of the use of transferred systems is significantly reduced.

The experience of the three countries has also shown that the transparency of agreements, clearly defined KPIs for localization, and the development of joint ventures increase the effectiveness of cooperation and reduce the risks of declarativeness. At the same time, it turned out that the location of production in a combat zone or an increased threat requires additional international guarantees - financial, insurance, and security; otherwise, private investors avoid investing in such projects.