Research into the competitive environment of enterprises in the Ukrainian arms market

The increasing role of the competitive environment in shaping the strategic resilience of enterprises within Ukraine’s defence industry complex under martial law necessitates a thorough analysis. The aim of the study was to identify the specific features of market conditions in the arms production sector and to assess the competitive environment of national enterprises. The study applied methods of comparative analysis, statistical evaluation, synthesis, and scientific generalisation. The source base consisted of official statistical data from SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) and data on the revenue of Ukrainian arms producers using the Ukrainian analogous online platform Clarity Project. It was established that in 2023, the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index for thirteen leading enterprises of Ukraine’s Defence Industry Complex (DIC) was 2,167.63, indicating a high concentration of production. The Gini Index for the income indicators of these companies reached 0.4935, pointing to a moderate unevenness in their distribution. The composition of the core of the Ukrainian arms market in 2023 remained unchanged relative to 2022. It included four leading enterprises, which indicated a stabilisation of competitive struggle in 2022-2023. In 2024, the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index for the thirteen DIC leaders was 2,791.384, demonstrating an increase in production concentration. The Gini Index (by income) for the leading enterprises rose to 0.5656765, indicating a slight increase in the unevenness of their distribution. A change in the market’s core composition was recorded: compared to 2023, a fifth enterprise, based on arms market share, joined it, indicating increased competition. Asymmetry between the contractual volumes of state orders and the production capabilities of enterprises was also identified. The logistical infrastructure remained insufficiently developed, which limited the speed of supplying military units with equipment and resources. Separately, a shortage of qualified personnel and reliance on imported components were noted. The research results can be used in defence planning, for improving state procurement mechanisms, and for coordinating cooperation with international partners in the field of security and armaments