Ukraine and the UK agree on a roadmap for a century-long defense partnership

Ukraine and the UK have taken another step in deepening strategic cooperation in the defense sector. In Kyiv, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and British Defense Secretary John Healy signed a roadmap for the development of a century-long partnership, which defines key areas of interaction for 2026.

The signed document formalizes further defense cooperation between the two countries and creates a practical basis for the implementation of large-scale joint projects. The roadmap is part of a broader agreement on a century-long partnership between Ukraine and the UK and covers priority security areas for the near future.

Denys Shmyhal thanked his British colleague for his visit to Kyiv and reported that during the meeting, with the participation of representatives of intelligence and the General Staff, the British side was informed about the consequences of the massive combined Russian strike carried out at night. According to him, one of the key tasks remains the further strengthening of Ukraine's air defense and providing it with the necessary ammunition.

The United Kingdom already plays an important role in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. In particular, from February it is planned to deploy the production of 1,000 Octopus interceptor drones per month. It is expected that these drones will significantly strengthen Ukraine's capabilities in countering air threats.

As a separate block during the negotiations, the parties discussed joint strategic industrial projects. In particular, they discussed cooperation in the field of air defense and the creation of long-range weapons, as well as the prospects for localizing the production of Swedish Gripen fighters, the design of which uses the technologies of British companies.

In addition, attention was paid to the issues of strengthening the defense of the Ukrainian sea and coordinating efforts in the Black Sea region. The parties also agreed on approaches to preparing the next meeting of the Ramstein format, which is scheduled to take place in February and will become an important platform for further coordination of international military support for Ukraine.

The signing of the roadmap confirms the intention of Kyiv and London to deepen their long-term defense partnership and move from political declarations to the practical implementation of joint projects aimed at strengthening the security of Ukraine and the Euro-Atlantic space as a whole.