US unveils joint weapons production with Ukraine

The White House has announced strengthening cooperation between US and Ukrainian defense-industrial bases, focusing on joint production and technical data exchange in the defense industry. 

Rubryka reports, citing a statement from the White House, that the United States and Ukraine have signed a Statement of Intent on joint production and the exchange of technical data. 

The agreement aims to meet the urgent operational needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The signing ceremony for this document took place on Wednesday at the Defense Industry Conference in Washington.

"The Department of Defense, Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, and Ministry for Strategic Industries of Ukraine signed a Statement of Intent on Co-production and Technical Data Exchange, which will work to address the urgent operational needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including in the areas of air defense systems, repair and sustainment, and production of critical munitions," the US Department of Commerce statement said.

Minister of Defense Rustem Umierov and the Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamishyn represented Ukraine in the agreement. The US side was officially represented by US Defense Undersecretary Dr. William LaPlante.

The production will impact the following areas:

• Air defense systems
• Repair and technical support
• Production of critical ammunition

The White House believes that this agreement will enhance cooperation between the United States and Ukraine and facilitate the faster passage of investment agreements through systems.

"Today, on Ukrainian Armed Forces Day, the United States government hosted the first day of the US-Ukraine Defense Industrial Base Conference at the Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C. The conference convened around 350 US, Ukrainian, and European industry and government representatives to focus on significantly increasing weapons production to support Ukraine's fight for freedom against Russian aggression and strengthen Ukraine's long-term self-defense," the department said.

According to the statement, the US and Ukrainian governments aim to develop a strong Ukrainian defense-industrial base that can sustain itself and contribute to Ukraine's long-term security and economic success.

The conference results focused on the initial steps: institutionalizing relations and dialogue between the industry and government partners.

Rubryka reported earlier that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky officially invited American defense companies to deepen cooperation with Ukraine during his online speech at the Defense Industry Conference in Washington.

It was also reported that on December 6, the United States announced a new $175 million military aid package for Ukraine, including ammunition for air defense systems and artillery shells, anti-radiation and anti-tank missiles.

In a procedural vote, the Republican minority in the US Senate blocked a bill with additional funding, which included assistance for Ukraine and Israel.