On February 3, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation was signed between the Ukrainian Defence Industry and the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ). The document outlines the framework cooperation agreements between the defence industries of both countries. In particular, it covers the production of ammunition, maintenance of armoured vehicles and artillery, and strengthening of air defence. It also provides for the development of financial mechanisms to attract instruments and funds provided for by the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) and the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP).
The memorandum was signed by representatives of the Ukrainian Defence Industry and PGZ in the presence of Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine Herman Smetanin and Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Poland Cezary Tomczyk.
Bilateral talks were also held, which were attended by representatives of defence companies, government officials from both countries and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland. The parties discussed the progress of joint projects and outlined promising areas of cooperation, including the localisation of Polish defence production in Ukraine, the establishment of joint ventures and the manufacture of explosives.
“I am grateful to the Government of Poland for promoting cooperation between the defence industries of our countries at such a high level. This support is extremely valuable in the conditions in which the Ukrainian defence industry is developing. Today, we have a huge need for explosives, as well as for deepening cooperation not just at the level of defence companies, but also at the level of industries. I am convinced that we will be able to be equally useful to each other, and as a result, the defence capability of both our countries will only become stronger,” said Herman Smetanin.
Cezary Tomczyk, Secretary of State at the Polish Ministry of National Defence, expressed his full support for Ukraine. (Government portal)