Ukraine: The British defence company BAE Systems has stated that it set up a local entity in Ukraine and signed deals with the government to support Kyiv’s supply of weapons and equipment. The move will allow BAE to work directly with Kyiv officials to explore potential partners for a plan to ultimately produce 105-millimetre light guns, a kind of artillery weapon, in Ukraine and to better understand its capability requirements.
Being the United Kingdom’s biggest defence contractor, BAE has manufactured many of the weapons that Britain and other governments have provided to Ukraine during Russia’s invasion. Britain is one of the key defence suppliers for Ukraine and the first country to start supplying Kyiv with long-range cruise missiles.
“The best weapons that are currently helping our warriors defend Ukraine should be produced in Ukraine. The development of our own weapons production is a top priority,” Ukrainian President Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X, following a meeting with BAE Chief Executive Mr. Charles Woodburn.
In May 2023, Mr. Zelenskyy stated that the two sides were working on opening a BAE office in Ukraine. Kyiv is eager to strengthen its military capabilities, from drones and munitions to tanks, while also trying to create more employment opportunities in an economy severely affected by conflict. BAE is already providing training and repair services to Ukraine’s armed forces.
“Signing the agreements and establishing a legal entity in Ukraine builds on our existing trust and support and paves the way for us to work together to provide more direct support to the Ukrainian armed forces,” Mr. Woodburn said in a statement.
The announcement comes days after Ukraine signed a statement of intent with Sweden to enhance cooperation in the production and operation of the CV90 family of armoured vehicles, made by a Swedish unit of BAE.
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