Ukraine holds talks with Western weapons makers to set up production within its borders

Ukraine is holding talks with Western arms manufacturers to boost production of weapons, including drones, within its borders, and could sign contracts in the coming months.

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Strategic Industries Deputy Minister Sergiy Boyev in a commentary to Reuters on the sidelines of the Paris Airshow, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion started, Ukraine has been making efforts to secure weapons ranging from munitions to rocket launchers to missiles. Kyiv has received support from the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom and, according to Boyev, the Ukrainian side was in talks with manufacturers from Germany, Italy, France and Eastern Europe about them producing weapons in Ukraine itself.

“We are in very detailed discussions with them. And we are certain that we will have the contracts signed within the next few months,” Boyev noted.

In his words, negotiations on producing drones could take longer, but production in Ukraine could be an effective way to capitalise on the country’s existing drone expertise and create jobs in western and central Ukraine.

“The future deterrence of aggression will require a strong defence industry in Ukraine, a strong Ukrainian armed forces. That’s why we think international partners coming to Ukraine, setting up production and making Ukraine part of the security framework for the free world is so essential,” Boyev explained.

At the Paris Airshow on Monday, Boyev was holding talks with dronemakers in particular, ranging from major international defence firms to small suppliers, but declined to say which companies he met with.

“We are discussing different levels of cooperation. And some of the companies say that they are willing to come and invest and produce drones,” Boyev told.

A reminder that Türkiye’s Baykar was planning to complete the construction of its manufacturing plant in Ukraine in two years.