Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov met with French Defense Minister Catherine Colonna, who visited Kyiv in February 2026. During the negotiations, the parties agreed on a number of strategic issues regarding the deepening of cooperation in the defense industry.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Joint Arms Production and Key Areas of Cooperation
Following the meeting, a Letter of Intent was signed regarding the organization of joint arms production in Ukraine and France. The document paves the way for large-scale projects in the military-industrial complex of both countries. Emphasis was placed on transitioning from arms imports to joint production and implementing long-term solutions to systematically strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.
“We signed a Letter of Intent regarding joint arms production in Ukraine and France. This opens the way for large-scale joint projects in the defense industry. We are moving from supplies to joint production and long-term solutions that systematically enhance our defense,” the minister stated.
Mykhailo Fedorov reported that France is preparing to transfer Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine, and the parties have already discussed accelerating the delivery of these aircraft. Cooperation continues regarding increasing the supply of AASM Hammer guided aerial bombs.
The Ukrainian side expressed interest in further supplies of SAMP/T, Mistral, and Crotale air defense systems, as well as the corresponding ammunition. The improvement of SAMP/T systems for better counteraction against ballistic threats and the acceleration of Aster missile production were also discussed separately.
Innovative Projects and Defense Sector Financing
Among other important topics of the meeting was the provision of long-range strike capabilities to Ukraine, including SCALP missiles. Significant attention was given to the development of joint innovative projects between governments and defense companies, which involve testing new security solutions and implementing modern electronic warfare systems.
The defense ministries also agreed on key priorities for further cooperation and discussed financing joint projects, including through a loan from the European Union and the SAFE program.
The French delegation visited the combat positions of Ukrainian air defense forces, familiarizing themselves with the situation at the front amid further massive attacks from the Russian Federation.
Fedorov emphasized the importance of cooperation with international partners to strengthen defense capabilities, noting that despite sanctions pressure, Russia continues to produce missiles and drones:
Catherine Colonna’s visit to Kyiv took place at her invitation; she also met with President Volodymyr Zelensky.