Rustem Umerov: Expanding defense industry cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine is among our strategic priorities

Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov held talks with Joseph DeAntona, Vice President for Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon.

The parties discussed Ukraine’s critical need for additional Patriot systems and associated missiles. The Minister of Defense stressed that this is a matter of national priority, focused on the protection of people, critical infrastructure, cities, and villages.

“We stand ready to invest in this area, as it concerns the lives of our citizens and the resilience of the state,” Rustem Umerov emphasized.

The delegations also discussed expanding cooperation between the United States and Ukraine in the defense industry. 

“This is one of our strategic priorities. Deepening interaction with Raytheon is a strategic component of such cooperation,” noted the Ukrainian Minister of Defense.

Additionally, the Ukrainian side noted that Ukrainian defense companies are open to cooperation with U.S. manufacturers to streamline and improve the maintenance and support of armaments.