December 7, 2023
Arizona Defense & Industry Coalition (AZDIC) announces the first letter of intent to be signed from the Ukraine Ministry of Strategic Industries (MSI) on production in Ukraine
PHOENIX, AZ — December 7, 2023 — This week, the Arizona Defense & Industry Coalition (AZDIC) had the honor of hosting leaders from Ukraine’s Ministry of Strategic Industries and Ukraine Defense Industry (Ukroboronprom) for discussions with Arizona defense companies on how to begin production in Ukraine. The delegation included Deputy Minister of Strategic Industries Ganna Gvozdiar, Consul General of Ukraine Dmytro Kushneruk, General Director of Ukroboronprom Herman Smetanin, Deputy Director General of Ukroboronprom Mykhailo Shevchenko, and Senior specialist in the Department of Military-Technical Cooperation Andrii Kalishenko.
During their visit, the Ukraine delegation participated in a meeting at the Arizona State Capital with Speaker Ben Toma and AZDIC President Lynndy Smith to announce the first letter of intent on joint production to Diamond Age 3D CEO, Jack Oslan. This letter serves as a major milestone for Diamond Age 3D, an Arizona-based automatic construction company, in their goal to provide 3D printed bunkers to Ukraine.
Diamond Age first began discussions with Ukraine during an AZDIC delegation to Kyiv in September of this year, during which, Diamond Age had the opportunity to meet with numerous stakeholders, including Minister of Strategic Industries, Alexander Kamyshin, to discuss opportunities for joint-production in Ukraine. These conversations culminated in this week’s signing of the first letter of intent for production within Ukraine for an Arizona based company.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to AZDIC for their steadfast commitment in identifying companies dedicated to enhancing Ukraine’s national and economic security through local production,” stated Deputy Minister Gvozdiar. “It is because of AZDIC that Ukraine will benefit from Diamond Age’s development of critical 3D-printed bunkers to safeguard both civilians and our military. Diamond Age’s strategic vision to support bunker development today and housing construction tomorrow, not only advances Ukraine’s security but gives our people confidence that they will return to a safe and comfortable home.”
“At Diamond Age, our mission transcends mere technology; it’s about creating tangible, life-changing housing solutions,” stated CEO of Diamond Age, Jack Oslan. “That is why we are dedicated to constructing 3D-printed bunkers in Ukraine, addressing the urgent need for safety. We extend our sincere gratitude to MSI and AZDIC for their invaluable partnership. With their support, we aim to commence bunker production in Ukraine by the end of next year.”
“I appreciate AZDIC for driving international collaborations, which not only enhance global security but bolsters our state’s economy by expanding Arizona business opportunities abroad,” said Speaker Toma. “Initiatives like this showcase our state’s commitment to innovation and economic growth worldwide.”
In addition to the letter signing, AZDIC facilitated meetings between MSI and the University of Arizona, the Offices of Senator Sinema and Senator Kelly, as well as 20 Arizona defense companies, including Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Honeywell, Leonardo, MD Helicopters, and more, to explore opportunities for joint production and licensing agreements. This fruitful engagement serves as a prelude to the large defense forum hosted by the White House in DC on December 6 and 7.
“Ukroboronprom’s mission is to elevate Ukraine’s defense industry through strategic collaborations. Partnering with AZDIC is pivotal in achieving our shared goals of technological innovation, economic growth, and heightened national security,” said Herman Smetanin. “With their help, Ukraine will succeed in developing a strong domestic defense industry that will ensure our victory in the war as well as economic prosperity well after.”
AZDIC sees this week’s LOI signing as a template for how Arizona companies can expand business in Ukraine. Moving forward, AZDIC seeks to explore avenues to close funding gaps essential for the success of these projects. AZDIC has established a working group to address this issue and anticipates announcing strategic solutions in the coming months.
About Arizona Defense and Industry Coalition (AZDIC)
ThThe Arizona Defense and Industry Coalition (AZDIC), a chapter of the Global Defense & Industry Coalition (GDIC), is a partnership of regional organizations inspired by Senator McCain, comprising the defense and mining industries, military, veterans, and more. Founding members include West Valley Defense Alliance (WVDA), Southern Arizona Defense Alliance (SADA), and Yuma 50. Together, these groups work closely to foster innovation and advocate for those providing critical resources and services to the U.S. warfighter and our allies abroad. AZDIC’s mission is to unify the Arizona defense industry and its stakeholders to help secure both state and national security through better communication and policy reform. For more information on AZDIC, email info@defensecoalitions.org.