Ukraine’s Ministry of Strategic Industries and German military contractor Rheinmetall are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will outline their strategic cooperation for the coming years.
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, revealed that negotiations are already underway to establish a joint venture for the production of artillery ammunition in Ukraine.
“We are currently in talks to set up a joint project for artillery ammunition production in Ukraine,” Papperger stated.
Additionally, Papperger confirmed that Rheinmetall plans to deliver the first batch of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine this year.
“We intend to deliver the first batch of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles to the country this year, and we will soon begin production of this equipment in Ukraine,” he added.
However, Papperger emphasized that a formal agreement regarding the supply of these vehicles has not yet been signed.
The anticipated agreement is expected to include provisions for training, maintenance, and repair operations.
The MoU, signed within the framework of the Berlin conference, aims to maintain and upgrade Ukraine’s existing production facilities to enhance the country’s defense capabilities.
Earlier, Oleksandr Kamyshin, Minister of Strategic Industries, announced the launch of a joint project with Germany on Ukrainian soil, marking the first of its kind. This initiative focuses on the repair and production of armored combat vehicles.
Meanwhile, Russia has criticized the supply of weapons to Ukraine, stating it contradicts the terms of the settlement and directly involves NATO countries in the conflict, “playing with fire.”
The Kremlin warned that Western arms supplies to Ukraine do not facilitate negotiations and will have negative repercussions.
