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Ukraine Seeks Expanded Defense Industry Ties With European Partners
Ukrainian officials continue to pursue deeper cooperation with European defense manufacturers. Several joint projects have been disclosed in recent weeks. European governments remain divided over the extent of such cooperation.
Jul 7, 5:00 AM·1m read1 source
Le MondeAudio version
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Ukraine is working to expand its domestic weapons production with assistance from European defense companies. The effort includes joint development of missiles and drones, according to reports from the Eurosatory exhibition held in Paris in mid-June.
A Ukrainian missile with a reported range of 3,000 kilometers uses a guidance system developed by a French company. The same firm confirmed it has supplied navigation tools, optronics, anti-drone systems, and intelligence analysis support to Ukrainian operators.
In exchange, Ukraine agreed to purchase bombs from the French company for its fighter jets.
The annual NATO summit begins Tuesday, July 7, in Ankara, Turkey. European rearmament is listed among the main topics for discussion during the two-day meeting. Many European countries remain divided over how far to extend defense industry cooperation with Ukraine.
Officials cite the need to balance support for Ukraine's war effort against concerns about creating a new competitor in the European defense market. A production unit for a long-range drone operates at a factory belonging to a Ukrainian defense company, according to a photograph dated April 2, 2026.
