On 7th June, Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine Oleksandr Kamyshyn and Minister of the Armed Forces of the French Republic Sébastien Lecornu signed a Statement of Intent on cooperation in the defence industry in the presence of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 

This document provides for the identification of opportunities for partnership between French and Ukrainian defence industries in the field of armaments, military equipment, ammunition and other defence and dual-use products. This includes the development of capacities for the production, maintenance and repair of military equipment, and cooperation in research and development in the defence sector. The parties agreed to exchange experience and attract investment in joint projects.

In addition, in Paris, representatives of Ukrainian and French defence companies signed a licence agreement for the production of 155 calibre ammunition under the KNDS France/Nexter licence. They also signed statements of intent to establish a service and repair centre for KNDS France/Nexter equipment in Ukraine and to use 3D printing technology to manufacture spare parts for the company. KNDS announced the opening of a subsidiary in Ukraine.

"This is the first document of its kind that extends and deepens the provisions of the security agreement signed with France in February. I am grateful to France for its steadfastness and unwavering support for Ukraine. I am very pleased that this support extends to defence,’ said Oleksandr Kamyshin.

To implement the provisions of the interagency statement and improve bilateral dialogue, the parties agreed to establish a Steering Board. It will include representatives of Ukraine and France, and will be co-chaired by representatives of the governments of both countries.

The Statement of Intent not only strengthens the partnership between Ukraine and the French Republic, but also facilitates our country's accession to the European Union by integrating Ukrainian industry into the European Defence Technology and Industrial Base.

In March, the first-ever European Defence Strategy was presented, prompted by Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Ukraine has become part of this strategy: cooperation between the defence industries of Ukraine and Europe is planned. This will strengthen both sides and bring mutual benefits.