Belgium and Ukraine have signed a memorandum of understanding for the development of bilateral relations, including in the field of arms production, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s press service reported on January 29.
This memorandum is aimed at implementing joint projects towards the growth potential and production volume of the Ukrainian defense industry.
In particular, Ukraine and Belgium will cooperate in the production of certain types of weapons, the repair of weapons and the preparation of specialists, including technical staff.
Ivan Havrylyuk, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, said: “This (memorandum) is extremely important regarding the development of the country’s defense industrial complex, the creation of joint enterprises and the localization of military production in Ukraine. That’s one,” he said.
The memorandum also includes measures towards building a modern defense industry in Ukraine.
“Ukraine is very interested in jointly establishing companies that will operate according to international standards,” Havrylyuk said.
“I am confident of further productive and mutually beneficial cooperation.”
The memorandum of understanding was signed after Belgium pledged to provide 611 million euros ($661 million) in military aid to Ukraine in 2024. This is the most extensive package Belgium has offered Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war.
Belgium will also send several F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, with the first jets expected to arrive in 2025.
Belgium announced in January that it would hand over two F-16 jets and 50 training personnel to Denmark to help train Ukrainian pilots as part of a “fighter coalition.”
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