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Belgium and Ukraine signed a memorandum to develop bilateral relations, including the field of arms production, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s press service reported<\/a> on Jan. 29.<\/p>\n The memorandum aims to implement joint projects toward Ukraine’s defense industry’s growth potential and production volume.<\/p>\n In particular, Ukraine and Belgium will cooperate to produce specific kinds of weapons, repair arms, and prepare specialists, including technical staff.<\/p>\n “It (the memorandum) is vital in regard to the development of the domestic defense-industrial complex, creating joint enterprises, and localization of military production in Ukraine. It is one of our priorities,” Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Ivan Havryliuk said.<\/p>\n The memorandum also implies measures toward building up a modern defense industry in Ukraine.<\/p>\n “Ukraine is extremely interested in jointly creating enterprises that will operate according to international standards,” Havryliuk said.<\/p>\n “I am confident in further productive and mutually beneficial cooperation.”<\/p>\n The memorandum was signed after Belgium pledged<\/a> to deliver 611 million euros ($661 million) in military aid to Ukraine in 2024. It is the most extensive package that Belgium has provided to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war.<\/p>\n Belgium will also send<\/a> Ukraine several F-16 fighter jets, with the first ones expected to arrive in 2025.<\/p>\n In January, Belgium, as a part of the “fighter jet coalition,” announced the delivery of two F-16 fighter jets and 50 training personnel to Denmark to support<\/a> the training of Ukrainian pilots.<\/p>\n Read also:<\/b> Minister: Ukraine cannot outproduce Russia, needs to focus on advanced technology<\/a><\/p>\n We\u2019ve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent<\/a>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n