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British soldiers during an exercise with an L119 howitzer
Photo: Tim Merry; Daily Express / dpa
Ukraine will have a high demand for weapons systems for years to come – unless there is a fundamental change of course in Russia. In order to strengthen the country's defense capability in the medium term, the leadership in Kiev has now signed a contract with BAE Systems, the largest defense company in Great Britain. The aim of the agreement: the joint production of weapons systems.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at a meeting with the BAE leadership in Kyiv on Thursday, said that the company's weapons were already in service with Ukraine. He named L119 and M777 artillery pieces, as well as the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle.
According to its own statements, the Ukrainian government plans to develop joint production of the L119 light guns in its own country. In this context, a framework agreement on cooperation in the repair and production of these weapons was also signed at the meeting.
Rheinmetall also has plans for Ukraine
According to the Ministry of Strategic Industrial Sectors, BAE Systems has already opened an office in the country and is planned to establish weapons production with domestic companies. With a turnover of around 25 billion US dollars (almost 23 billion euros) last year, BAE Systems is considered the seventh largest arms company in the world.
Ukraine has ramped up its arms production to defend against Russia's war of aggression. At the same time, it hopes to become a major arms manufacturer internationally. BAE Systems wants to be Ukraine's partner in the war for freedom and independence and in building a strong arms industry, said company boss Charles Woodburn.
In May, the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall founded a joint venture with the Ukrainian state-owned arms company Ukroboronprom. Initially, this involves the repair and maintenance of German main battle tanks in Ukraine. In the future, however, both sides also want to build tanks together.
beb/dpa