Ukraine and France discuss air defence cooperation and countering jet-powered Shahed drones
Evgeniy Khmara, Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, held talks with Catherine Vautrin, France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs. The two sides discussed further strengthening Ukraine’s air defence capabilities and implementing joint industrial projects.
Evgeniy Khmara thanked France for the prompt delivery of additional systems to counter aerial targets and for other vital support for Ukraine.
Strengthening air defence
During the talks, the ministers discussed further steps to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence capabilities, including the supply of munitions for Mirage aircraft.
Ukraine needs additional capabilities to counter aerial threats. Partner support is critical in this regard.
Destroying jet-powered drones
The two sides paid particular attention to countering jet-powered Shahed drones. Ukraine and France are already working to identify effective solutions for destroying such drones.
Ukraine is interested both in additional deliveries of systems that have already proven effective and in developing new solutions. One of the priorities is low-cost interceptor drones.
Joint industrial projects
Evgeniy Khmara and Catherine Vautrin also discussed implementing joint defence industry projects and the FREYJA anti-ballistic initiative.
Ukraine’s Minister of Defence thanked France for its consistent support and readiness to strengthen the defence partnership further.
