Ukraine teams up with Belgian defence firm to boost local anti-drone missile production
A Belgian defence company has partnered with Ukraine to co-produce advanced anti-drone missiles in the country. President Volodymyr Zelensky is aiming to bolster Ukraine's defence capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The partnership with Thales Belgium will help Ukraine produce more FZ275 LGR missiles, 70mm rockets guided by semi-active lasers. They are already widely used by Ukrainian and other European forces.
Thales Belgium confirmed the agreement, saying the anti-drone systems would initially be assembled at an existing site operated by Ukraine’s defence partner. The specific location remains undisclosed due to security concerns.
Economic catalyst
This collaboration is part of Zelensky’s broader vision to transform Ukraine into a military hub for Western allies. In recent months, Ukraine has formed similar partnerships with European defence giants, including Germany’s Rheinmetall and the UK’s BAE Systems.
Zelensky sees these ventures not only as critical to military strength but also as a catalyst for Ukraine’s war-battered economy, which has contracted significantly since the conflict began. Despite ongoing challenges such as local mismanagement and supply chain bottlenecks, Ukraine views Western technology and investment as key to advancing its defence sector and closing the gap with Russian capabilities.
The agreement with Thales Belgium may also signal future technology transfers, potentially enabling Ukraine to produce advanced weaponry independently.
A burned-out apartment in Kyiv as a result of a Russian drone strike © PHOTO ANATOLII STEPANOV / AFP
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