Ukraine's Minister of Defence Evgeniy Khmara and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi discuss F-16 and PAC-3 with Lockheed Martin
Minister of Defence of Ukraine Evgeniy Khmara and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi met with a Lockheed Martin delegation led by Orlando Sanchez Jr., President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
As the Minister of Defence noted, Lockheed Martin solutions, including HIMARS, F-16 aircraft, and PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems, are already helping to defend Ukraine.
During the meeting, the parties focused on further cooperation and on ensuring stable supplies of the weapons the Defence Forces of Ukraine need.
F-16 maintenance capabilities and countering russian jet-powered drones
Particular attention was paid to the role of F-16s in protecting Ukraine’s skies. Today, these aircraft are among the key means of countering russian jet-powered drones.
The F-16 is part of Ukrainian aviation. Ukraine is committed to a long-term partnership with Lockheed Martin. It is important to increase weapons supplies and to do everything to keep as many F-16s as possible in service and operating in Ukrainian skies.
Ukraine is therefore interested in expanding its F-16 maintenance capabilities. The meeting addressed, in particular, expanding the geographic reach of these capabilities, including through localization.
PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems against ballistic threats
Another priority of the meeting was PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems.
The Ukrainian side emphasized the importance of scaling up their supplies to strengthen protection against russian ballistic threats.
Long-term partnership with Lockheed Martin and Ukraine’s combat experience
Ukraine is counting on mutually beneficial cooperation with Lockheed Martin for years to come.
At the same time, the Defence Forces have unique experience of using weapons in real combat conditions. Ukraine is ready to share its expertise to jointly improve defense solutions in line with the challenges of modern warfare.
