In the presence of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov and UK’s Secretary of State for Defense John Healey signed an agreement between the governments of the two countries regarding official credit support for the development of Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
This document will facilitate the initiation of Ukrainian-British projects in this sector. Specifically, it includes the supply, maintenance, and partial production of air defense systems, armored vehicles, and ammunition.
The agreement stipulates that British suppliers can enter into loan agreements and contracts with Ukraine amounting to £2 billion, with the possibility of increasing this amount in the future.
As a result, by 2026, Ukraine’s Defense Forces will be equipped with air defense systems, radar and strike capabilities, obtain technologies and establish partial production of barrels, spare parts, and components for Western-type artillery systems and armored vehicles.
Due to the urgent need for rapid capability development and the high cost of defense projects, Ukraine cannot currently finance them from its state budget. The loan repayment period is 15 years.
