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France and Ukraine forge major defense cooperation with series of deals

29.09.2023 16:00
France and Ukraine have cemented their defense ties, signing roughly ten agreements spanning the defense industry sector, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced on Friday.
Ukrainians gather at a ceremony near the Eiffel Tower to mark Ukraines Independence Day, in Paris, France, on August 24, 2023.
Ukrainians gather at a ceremony near the Eiffel Tower to mark Ukraine's Independence Day, in Paris, France, on August 24, 2023. Photo: PAP/EPA/YOAN VALAT

Lecornu made the statement wrapping up his official visit to Kyiv, where he was joined by delegates from 20 prominent French arms companies.

The collaboration features participation from major military equipment manufacturers, an array of small to medium-sized enterprises, as well as startups, all engaged in producing various weaponry including artillery, armored vehicles, and drones. Some companies are also involved in cybersecurity and demining sectors, as per details shared by Lecornu on social platforms, cited by Interfax-Ukraine.

Ukrainian news outlet Hromadske disclosed that almost 20 agreements and letters of intent were mutually signed by French enterprises and their Ukrainian counterparts in the defense industry.

Among the documents is a significant letter of intent for collaboration between Ukraine's arms procurement agency, operating under its Ministry of Defense, and France's military procurement agency, DGA. This pivotal document paves the way for indefinite cooperation and sets a solid legal foundation for potential future defense contracts between the two nations.

(jh)

Source: PAP