Zelensky establishes Defense Industries Alliance, 38 foreign companies already join
Ukraine is forming a Defense Industries Alliance, open to arms and military equipment manufacturers from around the world, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced at the first International Defense Industries Forum held in Kyiv.
More than 30 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia were present, representing 252 defense companies that manufacture a full range of weapons and defense systems and solutions.
Ukraine has started producing “NATO caliber” ammunition (155mm) and possesses its own anti-tank systems that are “longer range and safer to operate than a whole range of comparative systems,” said Zelenskyy.
“Today, at this forum, we are announcing the creation of the Defense Industries Alliance. An alliance that values international law and is capable of working for the real protection of international law. Protection of security – I'm talking not only about Ukraine, but also about the security of any nation in the world from aggression,” he said.
By the end of the forum, 38 companies from 19 countries had already joined the initiative, reported Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. Ukraine also signed 20 documents with foreign partners, including agreements and memoranda on drone production, armored vehicle repair and manufacturing, and ammunition production. Collaboration formats encompass joint production, technology exchange, and component supply.
A special economic regime is being developed for companies planning to operate in Ukraine. There are also plans to establish a dedicated Defense Fund, which will provide additional resources, including those from dividends generated by state defense assets and income from the sale of confiscated Russian assets.
Ukraine previously reached agreements for joint weapon production with the United States. The production of Swedish BMP CV-90 and NATO standard infantry fighting vehicles ASCOD is also expected to launch. Germany has granted Rheinmetall the permission to establish a joint defense enterprise with Ukraine.
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