The Panel VI entitled Research and Development, Procurement Processes: Lessons Learned from the Ukrainian Experience was chaired by Mr. George SCUTARU, CEO, New Strategy Center, Romania with speakers Mr. Mykhailo SAMUS, Director, New Geopolitics Research Network, Non-resident expert New Strategy Center, Ukraine (VTC) and Mr. Andriy SIRKO-GALOUCHENKO, expert on UAV development for military applications, founder of the Ukranina UAV Forum, Ukraine.

The discussion highlighted the need to modernize Ukraine’s armed forces alongside advancements in drone technology, with adaptive policies essential for scaling production. Ukraine’s innovative talent positions it as a potential global leader in drone manufacturing, and international partners were encouraged to collaborate directly with local experts. Its success in damaging a third of Russia’s Black Sea fleet demonstrated the effectiveness of its naval drones, leading to a proposal for post-war cooperation with NATO, including joint training programs to enhance regional security and interoperability.