Ukraine makes initial progress in talks with France to produce SCALP missiles

Ukraine has made initial progress in negotiations with France to obtain a license to manufacture SCALP cruise missiles, Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said.

According to Fedorov, the issue was discussed during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent visit to France, where he held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

Fedorov said the discussions have produced early progress, although it remains too soon to announce concrete results. He noted that the two sides still need to resolve issues related to intellectual property, production arrangements, and other legal and technical matters before any agreement can be finalised.

"These are the first steps. We are proceeding cautiously and continuing to maintain these channels of communication in order to achieve results," Fedorov said.

The minister also revealed that Ukraine is continuing negotiations with the United States on obtaining licenses to manufacture weapons domestically.

He said the talks are being conducted at the level of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council but declined to provide further details.

"In general, it is unprecedented that this was announced and that such discussions have even begun," Fedorov said.

He added that Ukraine remains committed to expanding its domestic defence industry, with the government working to increase production of long-range weapons through initiatives such as the "Danish model" of financing and other mechanisms aimed at supporting Ukrainian defence manufacturers.

By Sabina Mammadli