Ukrainian Defense Minister urges global defense companies to invest in weapons manufacturing in Ukraine

Photo: Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov (Getty Images)

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has called on the world's leading defense companies and tech giants to invest in weapons production in Ukraine, as he reported on his Facebook account.

According to the Minister, he met with representatives of the world's leading defense companies and technology giants, including BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Boeing, Saab, Google, and Oracle, at the Shangri-La Dialogue Asian Security Summit.

"Urged the companies to invest in the production of weapons in Ukraine and to create joint defense enterprises. This partnership has great potential: Ukraine gets access to the modern technologies, and companies get the opportunity to develop advanced weapons," said Umerov.

He emphasized that creating a powerful military industry is a matter of national security for Ukraine.

"We already cooperate with these companies, and our soldiers successfully test their weapons, equipment, and technologies on the battlefield, providing unique feedback that allows the companies to improve their products. Our focus is production in Ukraine or the involvement of Ukrainian companies in cooperation with these global giants," added the Minister.

Weapons production in Ukraine

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has increased its arms production.

More than 500 state-owned and private defense companies operate in the country. Ukraine also produces weapons together with partners at their facilities.

Ukraine is increasing the production of ammunition. The government has increased profitability for Ukrainian enterprises.

According to the Ministry of Defense, air defense systems and missiles for them remain a priority for the Armed Forces. The Ukrainian army also needs artillery shells and electronic warfare equipment.