On January 18, 2024, the Artillery Coalition for the support of Ukraine was launched in Paris.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported on this.

During the first meeting, representatives of participating countries developed a common position on meeting the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for certain types of artillery weapons.

This meeting began with an online speech by the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Rustem Umierov, and a speech by the French Minister of Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu.

The opening of the International Artillery Coalition was attended by representatives of 22 countries. The Ukrainian delegation was headed by Deputy Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk.

The Ministry of Defense emphasized that the members of the Artillery Coalition are countries that have advanced technologies for the production of advanced artillery systems, ammunition, artillery reconnaissance systems, unmanned aerial target designation systems, and fire control systems.

The aim of this initiative is to increase the capabilities of Ukrainian Defense Forces, provide new artillery systems, and ensure the effective operation of the artillery weapons already provided.

According to Mr. Havryliuk, the discussion in Paris focused on urgent needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in ammunition, artillery systems, their modernization, repair and crew training.

The participants also discussed issues of military-technical cooperation aimed at long-term support of artillery units of the Ukrainian army.

Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk said that Ukraine is interested in purchasing advanced artillery systems and deploying production of certain models in Ukraine. He emphasized that artillery systems, previously received from our partners, have demonstrated high efficiency in battles with Russian invaders.

The initiative envisages the supply of 78 new Caesar self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine that will be manufactured in 2024. Each of the coalition’s member countries is expected to contribute to the project’s financing. France will use €50 million from its Ukrainian army support fund to order 12 of the 78 howitzers. Ukraine will finance the production of 6 more howitzers.

As part of this initiative, four working groups have been set up to focus on specific areas of activity. The Artillery Coalition was created as part of the Capability coalitions.