As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its third year, Kyiv is exploring ways to enhance its domestic weapons production and decrease reliance on unpredictable Western military aid. However, the government lacks funds for its realisation, and the country’s defence companies are producing much less than they could. For this reason, they are proposing to allow exports and earn money to invest in higher production, research and development. However, this proposal faces political resistance from inside Ukraine and the international community. While describing these latest political and industrial developments, this article explores an alternative solution that envisages Western partners investing in the country’s industrial-military complex. This strategy could address Ukraine’s political concerns while helping the country’s industry to be better prepared for current and future challenges.