Ukraine has signed an agreement for the production of a howitzer designed by the British defense industry giant BAE Systems, a deal that could become a model for Kiev’s plans to manufacture other sophisticated Western weapons, including Patriot missiles, writes The Wall Street Journal.
A light howitzer, already tested on the front line
A Ukrainian arms manufacturer will start production of the L119 model of BAE Systems, a light howitzer that can be towed or transported by helicopter and has a range of up to 17 kilometers. Such mobile guns, with long barrels, have been an essential component of the Ukrainian arsenal in the war with Russia.
Several Western defense companies have held discussions about producing weaponry on Ukrainian territory, but so far only a few smaller foreign drone manufacturers have managed to effectively start production. US President Donald Trump has stated that he will grant Ukraine a license to manufacture missiles for the Patriot anti-aircraft defense system. Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron also announced that Ukraine could produce the Aster interceptor missile, along with other European ammunition.
Although Ukraine has developed world-class drone and electronic warfare systems, it still needs American and European expertise for other types of weaponry, including radars, missiles, and satellite technology.
“Ukraine desires the ability to produce and maintain its own systems, to build a sovereign capacity around them”, explained Giles Ambrose, Director of Engineering, Technology and Strategy at BAE Systems.
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