Ukraine and Western Arms Manufacturers Set Up Five Defense Ventures

4 March, 2024 Projectile production at the BAE Systems enterprise. Photo credits: zenoot.com Ukraine has established five joint defense enterprises with Western arms manufacturers aimed at bolstering the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, announced this at his press conference. "We are working very fruitfully with the world's leading arms manufacturers. We can already talk about 5 signed contracts and the creation of 5 joint ventures in Ukraine in cooperation with Western arms manufacturers," Shmyhal said.

The Prime Minister noted that this work is ongoing and that there should be dozens of such enterprises this year. According to him, Ukraine sets up some defense companies with partners privately.

Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine

"We do not disclose where they are created to ensure their safety," the Prime Minister added. The Prime Minister emphasized that, in fact, many leading arms manufacturers are considering the possibility of being present in Ukraine.

They want to sign contracts with Ukraine, create joint ventures, produce weapons, carry out repair work, etc. "This will significantly strengthen our security," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Signing of the framework agreement on the production of L119 howitzers in Ukraine, August 31, 2023. Photo credits: Office of the President of Ukraine.

As previously reported, Ukraine signed a cooperation agreement with the BAE Systems international defense, aerospace, and security company on localization of arms production.

Ukraine will also open a joint plant with Rheinmetall to produce artillery ammunition.

This will be a joint venture between Rheinmetall and a Ukrainian company that is a partner in this project.

Production line of 155mm artillery ammunition at the facilities of the Rheinmetall plant, July 6, 2023.

Photo credits: Fabian Bimmer

As previously reported, MITS Accelerator, a collaborative endeavor of Ukrainian and American defense companies, launched a program to support Ukrainian defense startups.