Ukraine and Australia agree to develop joint production of air defense, missiles and drones

Ukraine and Australia will explore opportunities for joint production of modern air defense systems, missiles, drones and other defense products. Cooperation may involve establishing joint ventures.

This is stipulated by the Agreement on Long-Term Support and Cooperation, which was signed on September 23 in New York by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese.

The document separately stipulates deepening cooperation between the defense industries of the two countries. The parties plan to explore opportunities for production of advanced air defense systems, missiles and unmanned systems, as well as other innovative defense products.

Australia will also continue training Ukrainian military personnel and participate in NSATU and PURL programs, as well as in the Unmanned Systems Coalition. According to the Office of the President, since the start of the full-scale war, Canberra has provided Ukraine with approximately 1 billion euros in military and financial assistance, including ammunition, guided weapons, air defense systems and armored vehicles.

During a separate meeting between Zelenskyy and Albanese, the parties also agreed to work on the preparation of the so-called Drone Deal. Ukraine offered to share its own experience and technologies, particularly in the areas of maritime drones, ground robotic platforms and artificial intelligence systems.

The security agreement covers not only defense production. It also provides for cooperation in energy, demining, maritime security, reconstruction, attracting private investment, veteran rehabilitation and the return of Ukrainian children.

The agreement with Australia became the 30th bilateral security document that Ukraine has concluded within the framework of the G7 Joint Declaration adopted in Vilnius in July 2023.

Based on materials from: Office of the President of Ukraine, Office of the President of Ukraine