Ukraine Records Increase in Defence Exports During 2014

Ukraine exported over 27000 firearms to 19 countries in 2014, over two thirds of them to the US and Canada.

According to a report by the Ukrainian State Export Control Service on international shipments of certain types of weaponry in 2014, Canada exported 10,400 rifles, the US 10, 166 rifles, the Czech republic 5,000 rifles, Uganda 3,000 rifles and Georgia 100 rifles.

Further, Sudan purchased 830 light and 62 heavy machine guns. The Democratic Republic of Congo received one light machine gun, two assault rifles, one rifle, and two handguns. Moldova bought 2 handguns and Peru – 580 handguns.

Regarding the report on other equipment, Ukraine exported 51 units of equipment in 2014 that includes 23 T-82 tanks, 28 armored vehicles, 15 aircraft including 8 helicopters and 6 fighter aircraft, one "Bison" air cushioned landing craft and 18 rocket launchers.

In particular, 11 T-72 tanks were exported to Ethiopia and 12 to Nigeria. Fifteen BTR-3E1 and two BTR-3M2 armored vehicles were exported to Thailand, 10 BTR-4EN armored vehicles to Nigeria, and one BTR-4 armored vehicle to the US.

Nigeria received six large-caliber artillery mounts.

Five MiG-21 fighter aircraft were exported to Croatia and one to Chad. Six Mi-8 helicopters were exported to Belarus and two Mi-24V helicopters to Nigeria.

The "Bison" air cushioned landing craft was exported to China. Algeria bought 18 rockets and rocket launchers.

Germany bought 10 launching mechanisms for portable air defense systems and  Belarus-one portable antitank guided missile system.

According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Ukrainian exports of major weaponry in 2014 amounted to $664 million, which was 6.8% lower year-over-year ($708 million).

According to Ukroboronprom's plans which were announced in December 2014, supplies under suspended contracts are to be provided via a scheduled increase in production capacity in 2015-2016.

At present, Ukraine has military-trade relations with 100 countries.