UK and Ukraine ink new defence and industrial cooperation agreement. The signing took place amid the UK’s largest-ever trade mission to Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion, which sent 29 UK defence companies to Kyiv to do business with Ukrainian companies. Greg Hands, the trade minister, is also in Kiev to witness the trade mission, co-chair the Infrastructure Taskforce, and sign the agreement. This underscores the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s defence and recovery. The agreement aims to enhance military efficiency, tackle security challenges, and boost defence industries through joint projects. BAE Systems also secured a contract to maintain and repair L119 Light Guns in Ukraine, supporting Ukraine’s defence infrastructure.
“The Framework Arrangement will augment this joint activity, further supporting the brave men and women of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” stated UK Minister for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge. “This is the latest demonstration of the UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine, as they continue to fight back against Putin’s illegal invasion.” “This is now a war of industrial production, so it is key that we unleash the capability, capacity, ingenuity and innovation of our respective industrial bases.”
“The UK was the first nation to sign the Security Cooperation Agreement with Ukraine, and British defence companies were the first to establish offices here following the start of the Great War. Our partnership is growing, and we are getting closer to the day when British manufacturers will be the first to begin producing weapons in Ukraine”, according to Alexander Kamyshin, the Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine.
Group Managing Director of Business Development at BAE Systems, Gabby Costigan, stated: “We’re really proud to work with the UK Government in supporting Ukraine’s long-term defence requirements. We’ve taken the lead in identifying solutions that will help Ukraine win thanks to our experience delivering support in difficult settings and our superior defensive cyber capabilities, and we look forward to developing our partnership even further”.
This underscores the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s defence and recovery. The agreement aims to enhance military efficiency, tackle security challenges, and boost defence industries through joint projects. BAE Systems also secured a contract to maintain and repair L119 Light Guns in Ukraine, supporting Ukraine’s defence infrastructure.
