Ukraine’s defense industry to move to NATO standards in 2019
The Ukrainian state-owned concern Ukroboronprom, the leading arms manufactured and exporter in Ukraine, plans to switch to the standards of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) starting 2019, stated Ukroboronprom press service.
Starting 2019, companies that are part of Ukraine's military-industrial sector will begin implementing NATO principles and standards. Besides, practical implementation of NATO technical standards in the production of weapons and military equipment in Ukraine will begin in 2019. This will significantly improve quality of Ukrainian weapons and ensure mutual compatibility of the combat systems of Ukraine and NATO Allies,” the statement reads.
It was noted that the decision was made during the meeting of the 27th Ukraine-NATO Joint Working Group. The working group, which consisted of NATO experts, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ukroboronprom concern, has achieved great progress over the past three years in the process of preparing for integration of NATO standards into national regulatory documents.
“In order to accelerate transition to new standards, in the summer of 2019, NATO technical experts will visit Ukroboronprom subsidiaries that are part of aircraft building and radiolocation clusters. Completion of adaptation procedures and full implementation of NATO standards in defense industry regulations is scheduled for late 2020,” the statement reads.
In December, Ukroboronprom took the 81st place in the world ranking of arms dealers.