Ukraine and United Kingdom agree to cooperate on drone production

"Met with UK Chief of Defence Staff Antony Radakin and Chief of Air Staff Sir Richard Knighton," Shmyhal said.

According to him, the UK continues to provide significant support to Ukraine during the full-scale war and is ready to develop cooperation in the field of defense.

The parties focused on the urgent needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, in particular on increasing the production of basic types of drones in partnership with British industry. Industrial cooperation within the Build with Ukraine initiative was also discussed.

Special attention was paid to international efforts to create effective security guarantees and the work of the Coalition of the Willing, which aims to achieve a lasting and just peace.

The parties also discussed preparations for the next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format, which is scheduled to take place in London in September.

Shmyhal thanked the UK for its leadership and unwavering support for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression.

Drone production

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine has significantly increased its production of weapons and the introduction of new technologies, which are already being used on the front lines.

According to Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, Ukrainian weapons production has increased 35-fold since the start of the full-scale war. Ukraine plans to increase this figure.

In July this year, Ukraine and the American company Swift Beat signed a memorandum on expanding the production of unmanned aerial vehicles. Under the agreement, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will receive the drones needed to destroy missiles.

Ukraine has also agreed with Denmark to launch a joint production line for long-range drones. Meanwhile, negotiations with the US are ongoing.