Strategic Localization for Ukraine's Defense Industry

Purpose: to evaluate the options for strategic localization for the defence industrial sector of Ukraine and to provide practical recommendations for the implementation of the policy. Method: comparative analysis, synthesis, and case studies. Findings: Rebuilding Ukraine’s degraded defence industry is vital for its long-term security and strategic interests, and a robust Ukrainian defence industry supports partner nation security interests as well. While continued foreign assistance remains essential in the short term, Ukraine needs to progressively localize repair, assembly, and repair capabilities for its most critical military equipment. Theoretical implications: The paper enhances our understanding of key concepts relating to the contributions of the local defence industry to the security of Ukraine, and how those industries can be developed to support the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Russia-Ukraine war serves as a contemporary case study to explore these theories in practice. The paper provides new insights for understanding the practical application of the policy of localization. Value: Examining the practical implications of the policy of localization in Ukraine’s defence industry in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war involves understanding how these theories translate into real-world recommendations, both for Ukraine and for its international partners. that can contribute to the development and sustainment of Ukraine’s military capabilities. Research limitations: The classification of much information relating to Ukraine’s defence industry and defence capabilities, along with the contributions of international partners, forms a limitation on the scope and depth of the study.