Ukraine and UK to Boost Joint Weapons Manufacturing

Ukraine has reached additional agreements on joint defense production with the United Kingdom.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this after a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Monday.

The leaders discussed, among other things, the deepening of defense cooperation. It is noted that this will allow Ukraine to receive stable and sufficient funding for defense projects, particularly for the production of interceptor drones and long-range unmanned aerial vehicles.

Strengthening Ukraine’s air defense with the necessary equipment was also a key focus. The President’s Office reported that relevant agreements had been reached.

“There is a good outcome from today’s meeting – an additional decision on joint production. I believe it will be very strong and will strengthen both countries,” said President Zelenskyy.

As previously reported, Ukraine is set to receive British RapidRanger short-range air defense systems.

Additionally, Ukraine will localize the production of LMM (Lightweight Multirole Missiles) for these systems. Earlier this spring, the planned delivery of 5,000 of these missiles was officially announced.

The project is being financed through a loan guaranteed by the UK government agency UK Export Finance (UKEF).