British defense firm to maintain UK-donated artillery in Ukraine under new deal

British firm BAE Systems has secured a UK contract to maintain and repair donated L119 Light Guns directly in Ukraine.

Apr 10, 2024 - 18:29

Ukraine and the UK signed an agreement on defense materials cooperation, announced the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. The signing took place during the UK’s largest-ever trade mission to Ukraine since the Russian invasion, with 29 UK defense businesses visiting Kyiv.

The agreement was signed by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin, and UK Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands.

“It was the UK that was the first to sign a Security Cooperation Agreement with Ukraine, and British defense firms were the first to open offices here after the war began. Our partnership is developing, and now we are one step closer to British manufacturers producing weapons in Ukraine,” Oleksandr Kamyshin said.

The UK reported that during the trade mission, defense company BAE Systems agreed a contract with the UK to maintain and repair British-donated L119 Light Guns in Ukraine. This will allow quicker servicing and return of the donated guns to the frontlines, supporting Ukraine’s defense.

“Now is the time to deepen support so Ukraine not only wins the war, but emerges as a strong, resilient country. Defense trade between our nations is a critical part of this, which is why we’re facilitating further cooperation through this Agreement,” UK Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands said.

(L-R) Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and UK Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands. Photo: Greg Hands via X/Twitter.

The UK has provided nearly £12 billion in military, humanitarian and economic aid to Ukraine since the 2024 full-scale invasion. This new deal follows the historic UK-Ukraine Security Cooperation Agreement signed in January 2024.

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