Ukrainian defense industry enterprises are massively losing specialists due to emigration and mobilization

The Ukrainian defense-industrial complex is experiencing a growing crisis due to a mass exodus of engineers and technologists caused by emigration, mobilization and security risks in the context of the war with Russia. Despite the increase in government orders and expansion of production, enterprises report serious difficulties in finding a replacement for experienced specialists, reports Defence Blog.

Currently, there is an acute shortage of young specialists capable of creating and implementing new technological solutions. The industries producing drones, electronic warfare systems and armored vehicles have suffered the greatest losses. Some engineers left the country in 2022, choosing more stable working conditions in Europe and the United States.

In 2023–2024, the government introduced programs to support private defense companies, providing for new procurement procedures and simplified access to weapons testing. The reforms were supposed to stimulate innovation and attract young specialists, but mass emigration and constant threats of Russian strikes significantly slowed down this process.

Due to the full-scale war, the recruitment of new personnel has virtually stopped: engineers either voluntarily join the ranks of the Armed Forces or are subject to mobilization. Many of them previously participated in the development of weapons, robotics, and test programs.

To retain specialists, the government introduced a mechanism for reserving key employees of defense enterprises, but these measures failed to stabilize the situation. It is further complicated by Russian attacks on industrial facilities and cases of targeted pressure on engineers.

In response, a number of companies have begun to move their research and development departments abroad. Over the past two years, leading manufacturers have opened offices and R&D centers in Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In particular, Ukrspecsystems, the largest Ukrainian drone manufacturer, recently announced a £200 million investment project in British production.

This allows work to continue without the risk of interruptions due to shelling or power outages, but at the same time, many specialists remain abroad forever after moving, attracted by stability and higher salaries.

According to anonymous surveys conducted by the Technological Forces of Ukraine, the share of defense companies planning or considering relocation decreased from 85% in February 2025 to 51% in October. At the same time, the outflow of qualified personnel has not slowed down.

Economists warn: without systematic investments in personnel retention and protection of production facilities, Ukraine risks losing not only specialists, but also technological developments created during the war years.