Photo from UNIAN
State-run Ukroboronprom Concern, which comprises major enterprises of Ukraine's defense industry, plans to boost revenue from exports by 15% in 2017, according to its deputy director general for foreign economic activity.
"The major drop was recorded in 2015 when exports were estimated at $550-600 million. Last year exports grew by 25%, to $759 million, while the portfolio of export orders hit almost $1.5 billion. This means forex receipts this and next years will be growing almost at the same pace. Thus, an increase by 15-20% is realistic, taking into consideration new orders that are being placed," Denys Hurak said.
Read alsoUkroboronprom delivers almost 7,000 units of military equipment to army in 2016However, further growth is impossible without internal reform of Ukroboronprom, he said.
He also claims that Russia has been waging information warfare against Ukroboronprom in the struggle for sales markets.
"Over 80% of negative reports come from Russian information sources or those in occupied areas," he said.
Air-defense systems and vessels are Ukroboronprom's priorities in cooperation with NATO member states, he added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukroboronprom posted 28.3 billion, or over $1 billion, in net profit in 2016, which was 31.2% up on 2015.