Defence Minister Rustem Umerov took part in the British-Ukrainian Defence Industry Conference in Kyiv. In his speech, the Defence Minister stressed that the main goal for the next year will be to localise arms production in Ukraine. The state budget provides UAH 225 billion to arm the Armed Forces. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Defence.
"The United Kingdom is one of our largest partners and allies. I thanked them for all the weapons they provided, which allowed us to withstand the first days of Russian aggression, and now helps to liberate Ukrainian lands," Rustem Umerov said.
According to him, the Ministry of Defence's goal for the next year is to localise arms production in Ukraine.
The Defence Minister called on British defence companies to use Ukrainian conditions - the ability to test samples in combat, quick feedback from the military - for transparent and effective cooperation with Ukrainian manufacturers.
"We are interested in direct agreements with British manufacturers and are ready to sign long-term contracts," said Rustem Umerov.
Next year, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has allocated UAH 255 billion for the Armed Forces of Ukraine for "weapons, military equipment and ammunition".