Ukraine and Belgium to Cooperate in Defense Sector

Ukrainian and Belgian companies have signed six documents, marking the beginning of cooperation in the defense industry.

The Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine reported on this development.

The parties held a seminar on the defense industry on January 23-24, 2024.

The meeting was attended by representatives of 33 Ukrainian and 8 Belgian companies, the Belgian Security and Defense Industry Association (BSDI), and representatives of the governmental defense and security sectors of both countries.

The seminar was organized to enable Ukrainian and Belgian defense entrepreneurs to establish contacts and agree on cooperation, as well as to strengthen the strategic partnership between the Belgian and Ukrainian defense industries.

In particular, six documents on the start of cooperation were signed between Belgian and Ukrainian companies.

Herman Smetanin, Director General of JSC Ukrainian Defense Industry, noted that Ukroboronprom’s task is not only to meet the needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces with weapons and military equipment, but also to master the production of new types of products and introduce advanced experience and technologies.

The defense ministries of Ukraine and Belgium also signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

“Today, we are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Belgium, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine. This contributes to the flexibility and high technological capabilities of the Belgian industry for a long-term partnership with Ukrainian industry to implement the strategy of the Ukrainian government,” said Lieutenant General Frederic Guetin, Director of National Armaments of Belgium.

In 2024, Belgium plans to provide Ukraine with €611 million in military aid and help modernize its defense forces.

Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Rustem Umierov, discussed this matter over the phone with the Belgian Defense Minister, Ludivine Dedonder.

In March 2024, Belgium will transfer two two-seat F-16BM aircraft to Denmark for the purpose of training Ukrainian pilots.