Why It Matters

Ukraine’s private defense sector is experiencing a critical inflection point. Weapons production surged 50 percent in 2025, with nearly 60 percent of Ukrainian arms now domestically produced, yet export controls remain in place and component supply chains face Chinese export restrictions.
The National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industries (NAUDI)](https://app.legis1.com/organizations/detail?clientLobbyActorId=360624&organizationId=211348#summary) is lobbying to unlock these constraints—seeking U.S. policy support for integrating Ukrainian manufacturers into Western procurement frameworks and securing Western component supply chains. The legislative window is open: Congress committed $400 million annually to Ukraine through the FY2026 NDAA and established NATO procurement pathways. Without policy changes facilitating co-production arrangements, Ukraine’s innovative manufacturers risk being locked out of Western markets despite unprecedented global demand.

By the Numbers

The [UMO & NAUDI launched formal advocacy efforts in June 2025, paying McKeon Group Inc. $130,000 for the final quarter of 2025. Year-to-date, NAUDI invested $520,000 in lobbying, maintaining exclusive partnership with McKeon Group and focusing on three issue areas: supporting Ukraine’s private defense sector, strengthening U.S.-Ukraine relations, and advancing Foreign Military Sales.

NAUDI’s lobbying team comprises four operatives. Howard "Buck" McKeon, former House Armed Services Committee Chairman (2011-2015), brings unparalleled access. Adam Raezler specializes in foreign military sales and critical supply chains, while David Keysor focuses on defense-technology intersections.

McKeon Group’s client roster includes Lockheed Martin Corp., Northrop Grumman Corp., and General Dynamics Corp., demonstrating deep expertise in defense appropriations and NDAA negotiations.

The Agenda

NAUDI is lobbying to integrate Ukraine’s private defense sector into Western supply chains, focusing on three core issues: supporting Ukrainian manufacturers, deepening U.S.-Ukraine relations, and advancing Foreign Military Sales processes.

The organization pushes for policies facilitating co-production arrangements between Ukrainian firms and Western defense contractors, streamlining FMS procedures, and enabling Ukrainian participation in NATO procurement frameworks. NAUDI also advocates for access to Western component supplies critical to drone manufacturing, where Chinese component supply has become unreliable due to export controls.

Broader Context

Ukraine’s defense industry has emerged as a global innovation leader, revolutionizing drone and cruise missile development. However, Ukraine’s weapons export ban and export controls limit Western market access despite significant international demand.

The EU approved a €1.5 billion program for 2025–2027 to integrate Ukraine’s defense sector, while NATO’s Updated Defence Production Action Plan supports allied efforts through aggregated procurement. Congress passed the FY2026 NDAA, allocating $400 million annually through 2027, with bipartisan momentum on Foreign Military Sales reform.

Between The Lines

Congress is actively shaping policy relevant to NAUDI’s objectives. The FY2026 NDAA allocated $400 million annually through 2027, while House Armed Services Committee hearings have examined FMS processes. Legislation including the H.R.2913 – Ukraine Support Act authorizes foreign military financing, while the S.2914 – Eastern Flank Strategic Partnership Act enhances NATO interoperability.

Bipartisan members including Representative Marcy Kaptur and Representative Brian Fitzpatrick have demanded uninterrupted military aid. Congressional focus on defense mobilization lessons and drone warfare innovations validates Ukrainian defense firms’ strategic value.

Competitive Landscape

Several organizations lobby on Ukraine-related defense issues, though few focus specifically on private sector integration. Terminal Autonomy Inc. lobbies on unmanned aerial systems and Ukraine assistance, while Clearview AI Inc. advocates for intelligence technology assistance.

NAUDI occupies a distinct niche, targeting private Ukrainian defense industry integration rather than government-to-government aid. This specialized focus complements existing lobbying efforts while capitalizing on favorable political momentum.

The Bottom Line

NAUDI retained McKeon Group for $130,000 in the fourth quarter 2025 to advocate for Ukraine’s private defense sector integration into Western supply chains. The timing capitalizes on bipartisan momentum: Congress passed the FY2026 NDAA with $400 million in Ukraine assistance and actively examined FMS reforms.

McKeon Group’s representation of major defense contractors and Buck McKeon’s congressional relationships provide access to key policymakers. The engagement reflects a shift from episodic aid toward structured industrial partnership, mirroring EU commitments while framing Ukrainian industry as a force multiplier for Western deterrence.

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