Ukraine, UK strengthen defence partnership with new deal

On the sidelines of the DFNC3 International Defence Industry Forum, Ukraine and the United Kingdom have taken significant steps to deepen their defence collaboration. A statement of intent was signed between the UK Secretary of State for Defence and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence to launch the LYRA programme, focusing on battlefield technologies.

The agreement outlines a joint commitment to develop and scale up advanced defence technologies. Both countries will establish a working group to coordinate projects under the LYRA initiative, aiming to leverage the combined defence-industrial and scientific expertise of Ukraine and the UK, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said, Caliber.Az reports. 

The primary objective of the LYRA programme is to enhance the defence capabilities of both nations through the joint development, modernisation, and increased production of critical weapon systems.

Additionally, a project agreement for the joint production of artillery between Ukraine and the UK was signed, marking another milestone in the expanding defence partnership. 

By Sabina Mammadli