Ukraine in talks with France to produce SCALP missiles under license, defense minister says
Photo: French SCALP cruise missile (Getty Images)
Ukraine is making progress in talks with France to secure a production license for SCALP missiles. First breakthroughs have already appeared, stated Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
According to Fedorov, during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to France, he discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron the possibility of granting Ukraine a license to manufacture SCALP cruise missiles.
"During our President's visit to France, there was a very productive discussion with President Macron about the possibility of sharing a license for SCALP missiles with our country. Talks are now continuing with both the French government and the company involved, and all the details are being worked out," Fedorov said.
He noted that progress has already been made, but it is still too early to announce concrete results. The parties still need to resolve issues related to intellectual property, production launch, and other legal and technical details.
Fedorov also said Ukraine is continuing negotiations with the United States on obtaining licenses to manufacture weapons.
"Discussions with our American partners are ongoing at the National Security and Defense Council level. We cannot disclose any details yet. But overall, it’s unprecedented that this was even announced, and that such conversations have started at all," he said.
The minister stressed that discussions on SCALP missiles have already entered a more detailed stage.
"These are the first steps. Carefully, we continue to maintain these communications to achieve results," he added.
At the same time, Fedorov emphasized that Ukraine continues to focus on developing its own defense-industrial complex.
According to him, the government is working to scale up production of long-range weapons, including through the Danish model of financing and other mechanisms to support Ukrainian defense manufacturers.
Ukraine is actively expanding international defense cooperation. Joint weapons production projects with European partners are already underway, while German defense company MBDA has signed a strategic agreement with Ukrainian Armor to develop long-range strike systems.
Meanwhile, European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius recently described Ukraine's defense industry as one of the most innovative in Europe and called for its deeper integration into the European defense industrial base.
