(Reuters) – Ukraine’s state arms producer has entered into cooperation with Germany’s MBDA Deutschland, part of a missiles joint venture owned by Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo.
Ukroboronprom, the producer, said the companies signed a document that envisages a joint study of opportunities for cooperation in air defence systems.
A spokesperson for MBDA Deutschland said that countering unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) was in focus.
Kyiv has been accelerating its efforts to boost domestic and joint arms production amid partners’ depleting warehouses, failed delivery schedules, and political wrangling on allocating further military support as the war with Russia enters its third year.
“Potential areas of partnership include research, development, production, and investment,” Ukroboronprom said.
Ukraine desperately needs advanced air defence systems as Russia continues to carry out massive combined attacks on Ukrainian cities, using missiles and drones of different types.
Kyiv’s air defence capabilities totally depend on allied aid at the moment.
Herman Smetanin, Ukroboronprom’s CEO, said the agreement with MBDA Deutschland laid “a solid foundation” for Ukraine’s defence industry development and helped its integration into the NATO defence industry.
“This agreement marks a milestone between the defence industries in our countries,” Thomas Gottschild, MBDA Deutschland managing director, was quoted as saying by Ukroboronprom.
Ukraine has a joint venture with the German Rheinmetall to service and repair Western weapons sent to help Kyiv fend off Russia. The company also plans to open an ammunition factory in the country.
(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa, additional reporting Rachel More; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Ed Osmond)
