Ukraine, Poland launch joint defense production partnership

Herman Smetanin, Minister for Strategic Industries, has announced that the Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC, known as Ukroboronprom state concern, and the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) have signed a memorandum of cooperation focused on ammunition production and equipment maintenance.

"On 3 February, Ukroboronprom and the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize their cooperation. The document outlines agreements between the defense industries of Ukraine and Poland," said the Ukrainian minister.

According to Smetanin, the cooperation will cover ammunition production, maintenance of armored vehicles and artillery, and strengthening air defense capabilities.

Additionally, the parties aim to develop financial mechanisms to access tools and funds under the European Defense Strategy (EDIS) and the European Defense Industrial Program (EDIP).

The minister stressed the importance of Polish support amid Russia's war.

"This support is invaluable given the current challenges facing Ukraine's defense industry. We are in urgent need of explosives, critical components, and expanding cooperation not just between defense companies, but at the industrial sector level," Smetanin added.

Earlier, Poland’s Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said Poland would establish a comprehensive unmanned army by early 2025.

Poland’s decision to build defensive lines and develop a drone army is driven by several strategic factors, particularly in response to regional security concerns due to Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Read also:

• Duda at Davos: Ukraine war must end in Kremlin’s defeat
• Poland unable to maintain previous levels of military aid to Ukraine, says Duda
• Poland ready to transfer remaining MiG-29s to Ukraine if allies guarantee the security of airspace – Duda