Ukraine’s Defence Ministry is working on a framework to expand protected manufacturing infrastructure for the country’s defence industry. The plan is intended to accelerate construction of underground plants and the surface facilities required for their operation.

Proposed amendments to Cabinet Resolution No. 1494 would allow entities other than arms manufacturers to commission such projects. Property developers, construction businesses and private investors could build facilities with their own or borrowed funds.

Once completed, the protected sites could be sold, leased or otherwise provided to defence companies. The ministry says the approach would open the sector to non-budget financing while helping manufacturers expand capacity and relocate production to safer locations.

The draft has completed the main stage of interagency review and is being revised following legal and anti-corruption assessments. It is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet after that process is finished.