UK’s BAE Systems sets up office in Ukraine, signs cooperation agreement on arms production

Europe, News September 2, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

Britain’s leading defense manufacturer BAE Systems established its representative office in Ukraine as the company signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine on the localization of BAE Systems arms production.

BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn visited Ukraine and met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. After the meeting, Ukraine’s Ministry of Strategic Industries and BAE Systems signed a Cooperation Agreement on arms production in the presence of the company’s CEO and Ukrainian president.

Ministry of Defense and BAE Systems also signed a Framework Agreement on cooperation in the repair, spare parts, and production of new L119 light guns.

The UK defense firm is pacing efforts to meet Ukraine’s demand for weapons and military equipment. BAE Systems has been providing training and repair services to Ukrainian armed forces and the defense firm has secured several contracts due to the increased defense spending after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The best weapons that are currently helping our warriors defend Ukraine should be produced in Ukraine. The development of our own weapons production is a top priority.

In particular, artillery – L119 and M777 systems, armored vehicles – robust CV90. These are the weapons of… pic.twitter.com/BqExBLpUH7
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 31, 2023

According to the Presidential Office of Ukraine, Zelenskyy noted that BAE Systems’ weapons, including L119 and M777 artillery systems, and CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, are being actively used by the Ukrainian forces. Zelenskyy said that these weapons are “helping bring victory in the confrontation with the Russian aggressor closer and receiving extremely positive feedback from the Ukrainian military.”

The Ukrainian president praised the BAE Systems decision and said, “We highly appreciate when private companies open their offices in our country at such a time. First of all, this is a very important signal of support for our people, Ukrainian citizens.”

BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn also presented Ukraine’s Zelenskyy with a commemorative certificate dedicated to the opening of the BAE Systems Ukraine office and the start of the British firm’s cooperation with Ukraine, which signifies BAE Systems’ commitment to sustained support for the Ukrainian people, the Presidential Office of Ukraine added in a statement.

Ukraine BAE Systems — *^{Ukraine’s Ministry of Strategic Industries and BAE Systems signed a Cooperation Agreement on the localization of BAE Systems arms production. (Image Credit: Presidential Office of Ukraine)}*

In response to the British defense company’s decision to establish its office in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow would target any facilities producing weapons that can be used against Russia.

Peskov said, “Of course, any facilities for the production of weapons, especially if these weapons fire at us, they become objects of special attention for our military.”