Ukraine in talks with the West about producing its own weapons

Since Russia's conflict with Ukraine last year, Ukraine has received support from countries such as the US, Germany and the UK. Sergiy Boyev, deputy minister of strategic industries in Ukraine, said the country is in talks with manufacturers from Germany, Italy, France and Eastern Europe about producing weapons domestically.

Ukraine dares to compete with the West on self-production of weapons image 1 — Serhiy Borev, Minister of International Cooperation and Strategic Partnerships of Ukraine, at the 54th International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France on June 19, 2023. Photo: Reuters

"We are discussing them in great detail. And we are sure that we will sign contractual agreements within the next few months," Boyev said on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show.

In May, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy said the country was partnering with British defense company BAE Systems to establish a base in Ukraine to both manufacture and repair weapons ranging from tanks to artillery.

By encouraging foreign defense companies to produce weapons in Ukraine, Kiev can more effectively meet its own needs while building a defense industry that targets global customers at a time when Kiev seeks to create jobs for Ukrainians.

Boyev said that the expected long-term conflict with Russia "will require a strong defense industry in Ukraine, a strong armed forces of Ukraine. That is why we think that international partners come to Ukraine, set up their own production..."

At the Paris Air Show on Monday, Boyev was particularly interested in drone manufacturers, from large international defense companies to small suppliers. “We are discussing different levels of cooperation. And some companies have said they are ready to come and invest and produce drones,” he said.

Turkish defense company Baykar said late last year it still planned to complete construction of a manufacturing plant in Ukraine within two years.

Drones have been used extensively in the fighting by both Moscow and Kiev forces. Ukraine says it is expanding its drone program to conduct reconnaissance and attack targets at ever-increasing ranges.

Türkiye, Norway and the United States are among the countries that have supplied drones to Ukraine, but as the fighting escalates, more are needed. Mr Boyev said Ukraine wants to attract other foreign drone manufacturers.

Mai Anh (according to Reuters)

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