Ukraine participates in NEDS Defence and Security Exhibition in Rotterdam for the first time

Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, Herman Smetanin, addressed the event via a video message. He expressed gratitude to the Netherlands for its unwavering support since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion and for being among the first to join the ZBROYARI: Manufacturing Freedom initiative.

“I am pleased that the partnership between our countries is expanding and now includes the defence industry,” said Minister Smetanin. He highlighted the diversity of Ukrainian companies at NEDS, which manufacture everything from conventional equipment to advanced military innovations, and encouraged Dutch defence companies to explore collaboration opportunities with Ukraine.

Ukrainian defence companies are open to a range of partnerships, according to Smetanin. These include joint equipment repair projects, ventures, establishing local offices, R&D centres, and component supply chains, with the Ukrainian government offering legislative support to facilitate such initiatives.

Raymond Knops, Chairman of the Netherlands Defence Industries Association, underscored the urgency of supporting Ukraine in his opening remarks. Marking 1,000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion, he stressed that Europe must strengthen its collective defence to deter further aggression.

“Europe cannot afford any form of naivety. If we do not stop evil in Ukraine, it will creep closer to our borders,” said Knops. He called for sustained industrial capacity and closer cooperation to support Ukraine and bolster NATO’s defences against threats from aggressive regimes.

Source: Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine.