6.05.2024 – Translated from Ukrainian via Google and OFP
Ukraine’s defense industry should be integrated into the European defense industry ecosystem. To do this, Ukrainian military factories must “produce faster and more.”
So says EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. He stated this at the beginning of the EU-Ukraine Defense Industry Forum taking place on May 6 in Brussels.
“More than 140 firms from 25 different countries are present here. The purpose of this forum is to combine the power of Ukrainian industry with European industry. We need to see what are the possibilities of using European funding to produce more and faster, if possible, directly in Ukraine,” – said Borrell
At the same time, he acknowledged that due to the Russian war in Ukraine, any weapons production in the country is associated with risk, but noted the interest of a large number of European companies, whose presence at the forum is a sign that they see opportunities in cooperation with Ukraine.
Of course, Ukraine is a country at war, and Russia is targeting industrial capacity. We must provide capacity for protection and capacity to increase production,” Borrell said.
In addition, Borrell supported the purchase by EU countries of weapons for Ukraine from the Ukrainian defense industry
“Denmark has set an example by starting the path of direct investment in the Ukrainian defense industry. This is the path that needs to be followed. Purchasing equipment from Ukrainian companies or from joint European and Ukrainian ventures established in Ukraine is an option that we will explore together with the countries’ members,” said the European diplomat.
In his opinion, if the equipment that Ukraine needs can be quickly manufactured by the Ukrainian defense industry, then it should be purchased.
“Let’s help them produce equipment at home,” he added.
He proposed investing income from Russian assets in Ukrainian defense plants.
“This money should be sent to Ukraine so that Ukrainians can produce products on their own, on their territory, close to their needs. This will save on transportation costs and avoid delays,” Borrell summed up his opinion.
140 companies from 25 countries take part in the forum. Borrell called on them to combine their capacities with Ukrainian ones and promised funding for such joint work. During his speech, the official also said that this year the EU will open a military innovation office in Kyiv, which will be engaged in establishing contacts between European startups and Ukrainian defense enterprises.
Let us recall that in early spring, the European Commission presented the first ever European Defense Industrial Strategy at the EU level, providing for the close involvement of Ukraine. The EU has proposed investing income from Russian assets in Ukrainian defense plants.
As OBOZ.UA reported, Ukraine plans to launch its own production of 155-mm NATO standard shells, which the Defense Forces “lack” at the front. Preliminarily, the process may start no earlier than the second half of 2024.
However, British intelligence believes that the Kremlin is trying to hinder the development of the Ukrainian defense industry, which has the potential in the future to reach a level where it can independently provide for its needs. This is also facilitated by delays in Western aid, which have opened the door for Russia to launch a strike campaign in Ukraine and a new offensive.
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“Ukraine’s defense industry should be integrated into the European defense industry ecosystem. To do this, Ukrainian military factories must “produce faster and more.”
Ukraine is trying to do just that. But, the country needs three things that are vital for this endeavor; Air defense to protect the factories and energy system, money, and skilled labor. The West can provide all three. Yes, even the skilled labor. There are hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian men in European countries, shirking their duties. Many are well-educated and many other skilled workers. They should be sent back. All of them, and as soon as possible.
“…a large number of European companies, whose presence at the forum is a sign that they see opportunities in cooperation with Ukraine.”
Gosh, where did I read that before? 😉
I think Ukraine will easily replace the Moskali MIC once the filth is removed.
“Rheinmetall Boss Says Ukraine Could Get Artillery Rounds with 100KM Range if Berlin Books Orders”
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/32201
“If”? Ouch. When the bottleneck is national bureaucracies, that “defense industry ecosystem” won’t help much, I’m afraid. 😖