Following a recent visit by French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu to Ukraine, France’s Defense Ministry announced the signing of 16 agreements between French and Ukrainian defense industry companies.
During his visit, Minister Lecornu highlighted that the sale of weapons to Ukraine presents a significant opportunity for French defense industry companies, both in terms of sustained conflict and participation in the reconstruction of the Ukrainian military.
Notably, Nexter, a French defense company, will supply the Kyiv government with six Caesar self-propelled howitzers and provide assistance in their maintenance in Ukraine.
Moreover, an agreement has been reached regarding the installation of weapons on Ukrainian military vehicles.
Arquus, another French company, has partnered with Ukraine to produce armored personnel carriers (APCs) known as VAB, along with the necessary spare parts, within Ukraine.
Delair, specializing in drones, signed a contract for the supply of additional unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Ukraine, as well as a maintenance agreement for previously supplied UAVs.
The industrial group Thales and Turgis et Gaillard entered into an agreement with the Ukrainian side for joint development of UAVs, with the possibility of local production.
Lecornu arrived in Kyiv last Thursday, accompanied by representatives from approximately 20 French defense industry companies.
This collaboration represents a strengthening of defense ties between France and Ukraine and underscores the importance of cooperation in the defense sector.