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​Ukraine Ready Discuss Joint Production of Air Defense Systems, Interceptors with France

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A launch of missile from SAMP/T SAM system / Screenshot from video by Eurosam
A launch of missile from SAMP/T SAM system / Screenshot from video by Eurosam

Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for European Integration Serhiy Boev, during a discussion with Pierre Elbron, the Special Envoy of the President of France for Assistance and Reconstruction of Ukraine, stated that Ukraine is ready to discuss options for joint production of air defense systems and interceptors with France

This was reported by the press office of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine on Monday, January 20.

"We (Ukraine) produce shells, artillery systems and long-range drones. But air defense remains an important need - we are ready to discuss options for joint production of air defense systems and interceptors for them," Boev emphasized during a discussion of strategic projects of Ukraine in the field of the defense-industrial production for 2025.

Read more: ​France Wants Its Own Ballistic Missile With a Range of 1000 km, Right Up to Moscow

He added that France is a leader in the production of air and missile defense systems, and it is important that cooperation between Ukraine and France in this matter develops.

Ukraine Ready Discuss Joint Production of Air Defense Systems, Interceptors with France, Defense Express
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine believes that France is a leader in the production of air and missile defense systems / Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

"This is important not only to strengthen the capabilities of the Ukrainian defense forces now, but also to ensure defense capability in the future and ensure long-term production," Boev noted.

According to him, Ukrainian production requires additional funding to fully utilize their capacities.

Ukraine Ready Discuss Joint Production of Air Defense Systems, Interceptors with France, Defense Express
Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for European Integration Serhiy Boev (in the middle), during a discussion with Pierre Elbron, the Special Envoy of the President of France for Assistance and Reconstruction of Ukraine, stated that Ukraine is ready to discuss options for joint production of air defense systems and interceptors with France / Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

France has been helping Ukraine resist russian aggression since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion to Ukraine in February 2022.

As reported by CNews, citing data from the Elysee Palace, in the first year of the full-scale war alone, France allocated €2.7 billion in aid to Ukraine, of which €750 million was military aid. In particular, it provided Ukraine with CAESAR self-propelled guns, Crotale air defense systems, anti-tank missile systems, howitzers, VAB armored personnel carriers, ammunition, equipment etc.

As Defense Express reported, France doubled CAESAR howitzer production to accelerate deliveries for Ukraine. We also wrote, that France would increase production of AASM Hammer smart bombs in 2025. The growth in production rates will positively affect Paris' ability to send more to Ukraine.

Read more: ​France Needs to Increase Rafale Production to Send Six Mirage 2000F-5 to Ukraine