BAE Systems is ready to help Ukraine build spare parts for the L119 howitzer
9 September, 2023 L119 towed howitzer. Photo from open sources The British defense contractor BAE Systems is ready to help Ukraine build spare parts for 105-mm L119 lightweight towed howitzers.
It is possible to set up production at Ukrainian facilities in a few months. Charles Woodburn, Group Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, made such a statement, Financial Times reports. The production of light howitzer parts at existing facilities in Ukraine is seen as a potential precursor for other more complex weapons.
However, a decision on whether and when to establish a local factory and the specific timeframe is yet to be made.
Signing of the framework agreement on the production of L119 howitzers in Ukraine, August 31, 2013. Photo credits: Office of the President of Ukraine
At the end of August, the UK BAE Systems international defense, aerospace and security company and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine signed a framework agreement on cooperation in the repair, supply of spare parts, and production of new L119 lightweight howitzers. Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshyn and Charles Woodburn also signed a cooperation agreement on the localization of BAE Systems' weapons production in Ukraine.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has received about 50 L119 howitzers from its allies, which are now being actively used by the Defense Forces on the front line.
L119 howitzer of the Ukrainian troops.
2022 year. Ukraine.
Photo credits: ArmyInform
The howitzers have proven to be accurate and powerful weapons of artillery brigades. In fact, L119 can gradually replace the already heavily worn-out Soviet-era 122-mm D-30 howitzers.
105-mm L119 howitzer of the Ukrainian troops. September 2022.
Ukraine.
Photo: Army Inform
BAE Systems has opened an office in Ukraine, which will allow the company to establish weapons production and repair facilities.
The intention to open the office was first announced at the end of May this year.
British classics in the steppes of Ukraine: the L118/119 howitzer
Previously, Militarnyi published reviews of the Ukrainian military, which had been using these howitzers on the front line for a long time.