DEFENSE TECHNOLOGIES AS A TOOL OF STATE MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL SECURITY AND TRANSFORMATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ENVIRONMENT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63978/3083-6476.2026.1.4.01Keywords:
defense technologies, Ukraine’s DIC, hybrid warfare, drones, electronic warfare, cybersecurity, European security, NATO, DIANA, innovations, arms exportAbstract
The article examines the development of defense technologies in Ukraine amid the full-scale war with Russia since 2022 and their impact on the international security environment. Particular attention is given to the transformation of Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex: technological innovations (mass drone production, electronic warfare systems, AI elements, cybersecurity), institutional changes (from decentralized model to attempts at centralization, public-private partnerships, establishment of the Interagency Commission under the National Security and Defense Council), and geopolitical implications.
Drawing on data from SIPRI (Ukraine’s military expenditure $64.7 billion in 2024), CFR, Atlantic Council and other sources, the study analyzes the growth of UAV production (2.5–4 million units in 2025, target 7 million in 2026), investments in defense-tech (over $105 million in 2025), first export licenses issued and export potential of several billion dollars annually subject to harmonization with EU standards. Specific risks are highlighted: dependence on imported components, shortage of qualified personnel, cyber threats (over 2000 incidents in 2023 according to CERT-UA and ENISA), bureaucratic barriers within NATO and the EU.
An “Integration Pyramid” model is proposed with three levels: technological autonomy (localization of production), regulatory harmonization (compliance with EU/NATO standards), international influence (export, joint programs, contribution to collective security). The model synthesizes empirical data and theoretical concepts (RMA, Kaldor’s “new wars”, works by Horowitz and Scharre), yet acknowledges its limitations: effective in asymmetric conflicts of medium intensity, less universal in global scenarios.
Conclusions emphasize Ukraine’s role as a real testing ground for Europe, where low-cost combat-proven solutions (e.g., FPV drones) contrast with failures of expensive venture projects (Stark Defence). Recommendations focus on standards harmonization, joint production (air defense, drones, long-range munitions), preservation of frontline feedback loops, decentralization of critical infrastructure, and regular SWOT monitoring of the DIC.
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