Ukraine and Czech Republic create defense cluster for joint production of military equipment and ammunition

It became known from the joint statement of the Ukrainian Ukroboronprom state concern and the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic.

The statement say that on November 9, Ukroboronprom and the Intergovernmental Defense Cooperation Agency under the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic signed a corresponding deal - in accordance with the agreements reached between the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala during his visit to Kyiv.

"The creation of a defense cluster involves the production of military equipment, an increase in the production of ammunition of various calibers (both at existing capacities and at newly created ones in safe places), the development of service hubs for the maintenance and repair of anti-aircraft weapons, as well as cooperation in the field of high technologies, in particular, the creation joint scientific research centers," the statement said.

To implement the project, they plan to involve leading Ukrainian and Czech defense enterprises, as well as international financial donors.

The Minister of Defense of the Czech Republic Jana Černochová noted that this is a very beneficial cooperation for both parties. According to her, it is not only about the nearest time, when Ukraine needs weapons in a very large quantity, but also a more distant perspective.

As noted in the press release of the Czech Ministry of Defense, cooperation begins immediately after the signing of the agreement. At the first stage, the enterprises of Ukroboronprom and Czech companies will create joint enterprises, which will increase the production capabilities of both the former and the latter. Weapons will initially be supplied primarily for the needs of Ukraine. "Given the current situation in Ukraine, part of the production facilities will be moved to the Czech Republic," said Aleš Vytečka of the Czech Intergovernmental Defence Cooperation Agency - AMOS.

"As part of the future recovery of the country, Ukraine will need jobs. Long-term mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries in the defense-industrial complex, including the latest technological developments, will have a clear economic benefit for both countries. In addition, Ukraine has new and rich experience from its struggle, and this will also be a significant contribution to innovation in our industries," he added.

Czech experts, for their part, will be able to transfer knowledge and experience to Ukrainians regarding Western weapons and NATO standards - since the Czech Republic, as a former Warsaw Pact country, also made the transition from Soviet to Western weapons.