Kyiv secures BAE Systems licence in bid to turn Ukraine into Western arms hub

Ukraine has signed an agreement with British defence company BAE Systems to begin licensed production of L119 lightweight towed howitzers, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The deal will allow Kyiv to manufacture the British-designed artillery systems inside Ukraine, with the weapon capable of striking targets at ranges of up to 16.9 kilometres. Ukrainian officials hope the agreement will serve as a foundation for expanding domestic production of other Western military equipment in the future.

The move is also seen as a potential step towards deeper cooperation on more advanced weapons systems, including possible production of missiles for Patriot air defence system batteries.

However, defence analysts say such projects would be significantly more challenging, as advanced missile technologies remain closely controlled by Western governments.

The agreement comes after previous attempts by foreign defence companies to establish manufacturing operations in Ukraine faced difficulties. Germany’s Rheinmetall had announced plans to build production facilities in Ukraine, but the projects reportedly failed to secure sufficient investment.

Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar also announced plans in 2022 to build a facility for unmanned aerial vehicles, although the plant has not yet entered service.

The new partnership with BAE Systems reflects Kyiv’s broader effort to develop a domestic defence industry and reduce reliance on foreign weapons supplies amid the ongoing war with Russia.

By Aghakazim Guliyev