F-16s and air defense systems: what Ukraine negotiated with American defense giants
15 October 14:27
A Ukrainian delegation headed by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko met in Washington with representatives of Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, the leading American defense companies that produce air defense systems, missiles, and F-16 aircraft.
The head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, said that the parties discussed deepening cooperation in the field of security and technologies that are already saving the lives of Ukrainians, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
“F-16s and modern air defense systems protect Ukrainian skies, and their offensive solutions support our forces at the front. Every missile shot down or enemy command post destroyed proves the quality of American weapons,” Yermak emphasized.
Who participated in the talks
The meeting was attended by:
- NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov,
- First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya,
- Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Olga Stefanishyna.
According to Stefanishyna, this week’s visit of the Ukrainian delegation to the United States has created “a completely new format of interaction ” – when defense, economic and post-war reconstruction issues are simultaneously worked out on the spot.
It is noted that Lockheed Martin and Raytheon are the key manufacturers of weapons that Ukraine receives:
Lockheed Martin produces F-16 fighter jets, HIMARS systems, Javelin missiles and Patriot systems, while Raytheon is a co-developer of Patriot and NASAMS, which protect Ukrainian skies from Russian attacks.
Deepening contacts could mean expanding joint programs for the production and maintenance of weapons, as well as integrating Ukrainian companies into Western defense supply chains.
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What is known about the meeting
The meeting in Washington took place against the backdrop of a strengthening defense partnership between Ukraine and the United States.
In September, the White House approved a new aid package that includes missiles for the Patriot, ammunition for HIMARS, and drone countermeasures.
At the same time, Kyiv is working to localize weapons production in Ukraine to reduce its dependence on logistics during the war.
Possible outcomes of the talks
The outcome of the talks is expected to be part of a broader package of agreements between Kyiv and Washington, which also includes
- launching joint defense projects,
- support for the Ukrainian defense industry,
- and preparations for the upcoming defense investor summit.
According to Yermak, “cooperation with American defense companies continues to grow,” and this is what “guarantees the effectiveness of the Ukrainian army on the battlefield.”
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The United States remains Ukraine’s largest defense partner, with military aid exceeding $70 billion since 2022.
In 2024, the Pentagon announced the creation of a coalition to produce weapons in Ukraine, which was joined by a number of American and European companies.
Lockheed Martin and Raytheon have already considered the possibility of jointly producing air defense system components in Ukraine after the war.
