Ukraine, UK agree on joint artillery production
During the DFNC3 International Defense Industries Forum, Ukraine and the United Kingdom signed a project agreement on joint artillery production.
The announcement was confirmed by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, as reported by Militarnyi.
The agreement on artillery manufacturing reflects an ongoing effort to establish localized production of Western-standard systems inside Ukraine.
Although the specific type of artillery system was not disclosed, Militarnyi reports that discussions have previously focused on the 105mm L119 light howitzer, a platform widely used by NATO forces and already in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The talks date back to mid-2023, when Ukraine and BAE Systems Platforms & Services UK signed a production agreement covering the L119.
In parallel with the production framework, the LYRA project was introduced as a new strategic partnership in battlefield technology. According to Shmyhal, the initiative is intended to “strengthen the defense capabilities of both countries” by combining British and Ukrainian industrial and scientific expertise. The program will focus on the joint development, modernization, and scaling of weapon systems required for current and future combat conditions.
The announcement follows a series of steps already taken to bring BAE Systems’ operations to Ukraine. In 2023, the company opened a representative office and service center in-country, enabling localized support for equipment and providing infrastructure to begin domestic production. In March 2024, BAE Systems stated that it was awaiting a contract from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to formally begin production of 105mm howitzers within Ukraine.
As noted at the time by Ukraine’s Minister for Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin, BAE Systems had confirmed its readiness to launch production inside the country, pending financing and a finalized contract. Kamyshin also confirmed that Ukraine had requested support from the UK Ministry of Defence to back the project and secure necessary resources.
In April 2024, BAE Systems signed a separate agreement with the UK government to provide repair and maintenance of L119 howitzers directly on Ukrainian territory. During that signing, Kamyshin stated, “We are ready to begin manufacturing [the L119 howitzers] as soon as funding is in place.”
The joint artillery production plan is viewed as a strategic step to reduce logistical dependence on external deliveries, while accelerating access to NATO-standard systems already proven on the battlefield. If executed, the L119 line would provide Ukrainian forces with mobile, towed artillery capable of firing a range of 105mm NATO-compatible munitions—well suited for flexible fire support in high-tempo operations.
