On October 22, the American-Ukrainian Defense Industry Business Session took place in Kyiv. It was organized by the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine in cooperation with the Defense Alliance of Ukraine, the Arizona Defense & Industry Coalition (AZDIC), and the Global Defense & Industrial Coalition (GDIC).

The event was attended by the Strategic Advisor to the President of Ukraine, Aleksander Kamyshin, Deputy Minister of Strategic Industries Anna Gvozdiar, President and CEO of the Arizona Defense & Industry Coalition and Global Defense & Industrial Coalition Lindy Smith, and Board Member of the Arizona Defense & Industry Coalition James McCain.

“Today’s event, organized by the Ministry of Strategic Industries, is a testament to the strengthening and innovation in Ukraine’s defense sector. American companies are eager to adopt the significant achievements developed here. The resilience and ingenuity demonstrated in facing enormous challenges have led to breakthroughs that American companies are keen to integrate into their own production. This exchange of knowledge and technology strengthens both of our industries, ensuring our readiness for future defense and security needs. Ukrainian innovations have the potential to shape the global defense landscape, and GDIC companies are ready to contribute to and benefit from this partnership,” said GDIC and AZDIC CEO Lindy Smith.

The event gathered representatives from nine American companies and 40 Ukrainian ones. During the seminar, approximately 90 B2B and B2G meetings took place, where industrial representatives from both countries discussed cooperation in the defense industry.

“In September last year, we signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Arizona Defense & Industry Coalition, and I am pleased to see our agreements being implemented and our cooperation continuing. I am glad to see Lindy Smith in Ukraine and thank her for her commitment and ongoing support of Ukraine’s defense industry—both public and private sectors. I am certain that Ukrainian defense companies have much to offer their American counterparts for cooperation,” said Aleksander Kamyshin, Strategic Advisor to the President of Ukraine.

The Deputy Minister of Strategic Industries presented the current state of development of the Ukrainian defense industry, priority production areas, and the advantages of cooperation with Ukraine’s defense sector to the partners.

“I am grateful to the representatives of American companies for their interest in cooperating with Ukrainian defense enterprises. They have grown significantly during the full-scale invasion. Ukraine’s defense industry has much to offer to partners,” said Deputy Minister Anna Gvozdiar.