UK to Back Defense Companies Supporting Ukraine

17 November, 2023 British Starstreak MANPADS. Photo from open sources The UK government will support British defense companies that provide assistance to Ukraine.

British Defense Minister Grant Shapps reported about this on X (former Twitter). According to him, British defense companies keep the country safe, help nations like Ukraine defend their freedom, and act as global champions for the UK. "We'll back them all the way against those who want to defund the industry due to so-called ethical investing rules that are not only immoral but dangerous," the minister said.

British Defense Minister Grant Shapps

Previously, Grant Shapps assured that the UK would continue to work with its allies to provide Ukraine with "what it needs to win."

In September 2023, it became known that the British defense contractor BAE Systems was ready to help Ukraine build spare parts for 105-mm L119 lightweight towed howitzers. Charles Woodburn, Group Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems, said that it is possible to set up production at Ukrainian facilities in a few months. The production of light howitzer parts at existing facilities in Ukraine is seen as a potential precursor for other, more complex weapons.

L119 towed howitzer.

Photo from open sources

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.

Signing of the framework agreement on the production of L119 howitzers in Ukraine, August 31, 2013. Photo credits: Office of the President of Ukraine

Oleksandr Kamyshyn, Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, 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.

L119 105mm howitzer of the Ukrainian troops.

September 2022. Ukraine. Photo: Army Inform

These howitzers are now being actively used by the Defense Forces on the front lines.

The transfer of artillery systems is carried out as part of military assistance.