President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine announced that Ukraine and the US had agreed to begin collaborative weapons manufacture as a step that will allow Kyiv to begin manufacturing air defence systems.
Ukraine launch joint weapons production: In his daily address to Ukrainians, Zelenskiy announced that the long-term agreement would bring jobs and establish a new industrial foundation for Ukraine, which has suffered significant damage to its economy due to Russia’s invasion and war.
In a video broadcast on the presidential website on Friday morning, Zelenskiy stated, “It was a very important visit to Washington, with very important results.”
And a long-term agreement: we will cooperate to ensure that Ukraine manufactures the required weaponry alongside the US. A historic event is co-production with the United States in the defence (sector).
Kyiv has increased efforts to increase domestic weapon manufacture as much as feasible due to the tremendous demand for guns and ammunition to ward off Russian strikes along a 1,000 km (620 mile) front line brought on by the 19-month-long conflict.
Russian airstrikes across Ukraine have caused numerous deaths and extensive property damage.
“Ukraine Expands Defense Cooperation with US Military Industries and Eyes Global Arms Production Symposium”
According to Zelenskiy, three organisations representing more than 2,000 US military industries have signed cooperation agreements with the Ministry for Strategic Industries, which regulates the production of weapons in Ukraine.
Without providing any other information, Zelenskiy stated, “We are preparing to create a new defence ecosystem with the United States to produce weapons to strengthen further freedom and protect life together.” Ukraine is significantly reliant on Western military assistance.
Zelenskiy and his group have been pressing for changes in the domestic defence industry to modernise local firms and boost supplies to the front to lessen dependence.
Zelenskiy has previously announced that Kyiv will soon host a global arms production symposium, which will draw corporations from over 20 nations.
The government is also implementing changes at Ukroboronprom, its primary weapons manufacturer, to increase production capacity, improve transparency, and allow for more active collaboration with Western manufacturers.
In order to repair Ukrainian tanks and other vehicles, Ukraine has already agreed to a number of collaborative ventures with companies in Central Europe. Ukraine has also been trying to strengthen its drone and missile industries.