The expert told what functions Ukrainian special importers take on when buying ammunition

When purchasing ammunition for the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Ukrainian specialty importers assume guarantees for the fulfillment of these contracts. This was stated by military expert Serhiy Zgurets in an exclusive commentary to UNN.

According to him, ideally, specialty importers should sign arms purchase contracts directly with suppliers, but in many cases this is not possible.

Relatively speaking, there may be some companies that act as intermediaries, in the format of consulting companies, that provide guarantees for certain contracts. In fact, intermediaries are officially recognized elements of contract security in many countries; we try to act directly, but only a part of contracts is signed directly with manufacturing companies

Як українська компанія може стати спецімпортером озброєння: пояснення МОУ01.04.24, 17:16

Thus, the main task of Ukrainian special importers is to assume guarantees for the supply of certain ammunition. That is, the intermediary company that signs the contract is responsible for its fulfillment. 

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It is difficult for Ukraine to buy much-needed ammunition for its army, as the arms market is very specific and operates as a large monopoly where the main players know each other. Therefore, the Ministry of Defense often has to involve intermediaries in the process of purchasing ammunition on the world market, in particular from the Balkan countries. Experts note that sometimes this leads to an increase in the price of supplies, but due to the high competition in the arms market, counterparties should be accepted as a "necessary element of the game.

The Ministry of Defense reportedt hat in 2022-2023, it signed state contracts for the purchase of weapons and ammunition with more than 130 contractors, including 30 foreign companies. 

The Ukrainian Armor Company described what tasks a special exporter undertakes when purchasing weapons. In particular, special exporters search for reliable supply channels at the lowest prices and have to conduct inspections of production facilities and stocks.