President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of defence companies from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Türkiye, Sweden and the Czech Republic.
Ukraine wants to take stronger action against the Russian arms industry, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Members of the European Parliament backed the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA).
Russia’s war on Ukraine has laid bare the challenges that the European defence industry faces as it tries to meet increased demand and ramp up production.
In 2022, France achieved a record value of arms export orders, reaching EUR 26.97 billion.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is making it difficult for Moscow to maintain its position as a global arms exporter.
There is a majority among the German population in favour of raising the defence budget: It could increase by EUR 11.5 billion, or about 20 percent.
Eight in ten Europeans agree that cooperation in defence matters at EU level should be increased.
Finland’s decision to purchase the Israeli David’s Sling air defence system is only part of this country’s plan to acquire advanced systems developed by the Israeli defence industry.
“The European defence industry is still very competitive today which is validated by the high level of exports. At the same time, this competitiveness is based on investments made in the past,” says Jan Pie, Secretary General of ASD.
The signed memorandum pertains to collaboration in several areas that are relevant in the ongoing conflict and will also offer promising prospects for the Czech defence industry in the future.
The European defence industry stands ready to play its role as the producer of state-of-the-art defence equipment for our and our allies’ armed forces,” says Jan Pie, Secretary General of ASD Europe.
