The Kiev International Exhibition Arms and Security, is an amazing demonstration of Ukrainian independence and defense capabilities. The expo showcases Ukraine’s’ own technical competence and its growing collaboration with foreign defense partners.

The exhibition was initially launched in 2004, but had limited success as Ukraine was emerging onto the international stage. By 2015 the exhibition has triumphed with 284 exhibitors, including 21 foreign companies from 8 countries (USA, China, India, Poland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Israel, the Netherlands) confined in 29,300 square meters and approximately 13,000 people in attendance. The exhibition demonstrates Ukraine’s growing military industrial complex, showcasing homegrown design and manufacture of a cornucopia of weapons, military and special equipment. The opening ceremony brought into attendance government officials from defense to space agency as well as Deputy Director of Department for Defense Investment of NATO International Secretariat – Deputy Assistant Secretary General – Ernest Herold. Proving Ukraine’s rightful place as number nine, in Top 10 in countries who export defense technology.

Strategically placed for display were fifty four functioning displays of military aircraft, vehicles and special purpose machinery (including drones). Thirty companies of Ukroboronprom the defense industry of Ukraine. Such as Kyiv based Leninska Kuznya presented a prototype of combat vehicle “Triton” as a next generation military armored vehicle. State Enterprise Antonov, the producer of the world’s largest aircraft, the AN-225 signed a cooperation agreement on the opening day with Polish company WB Electronics, to develop new tactical unmanned aviation platforms exclusively for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Representatives from State Enterprise Concern, closed a deal with the Chinese company Inkas, for modernization of armored vehicles and the improvement of a vehicle maintenance centers. Ukrainian based Ukroboronprom, forged a relationship with the Turkish company Aselsan for the modernization of digital optics in existing the Ukrainian armored vehicles.

Future expos are projected well into the future as continued defense technology breakthroughs and research and development continue to be one of Ukraine’s greatest exports. Ukrainian officials are harnessing the expo as a powerful tool for the inundation of the Ukrainian domestic market as they continue to grow the export potential of the Ukraine’s defense industry.