In Kyiv, Alexander Kamyshin, the Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industries, announced that Kyiv has reached preliminary agreements with two major American companies to co-produce 155 mm artillery ammunition on Ukrainian soil. He stated this during a live appearance on Rada TV, noting that the collaboration aims to leverage the partners’ advanced technologies. He added that turning these agreements into fully functioning, on-the-ground production lines will require a multi-year effort, with a timeline of two to three years for completion. The emphasis, he said, is on accessing the high-end technologies that the American partners bring to the table, which could help Ukraine modernize its own defense industrial base.
Kamishin underscored a broader strategic objective: to reduce dependence on imported weapons by building domestic capability while maintaining robust international cooperation. He indicated that Kyiv expects the joint ventures to help transfer knowledge and equipment that could accelerate local production, even as the projects navigate the complexities of construction, certification, and integration within Ukraine’s existing industrial framework. This approach reflects a long-term plan to strengthen Ukraine’s self-sufficiency in defense materiel, particularly in the artillery segment that has repeatedly been a focal point of supply concerns.
The developments come amid ongoing political and legislative efforts in Washington and Kyiv. In the United States, discussions around support for Ukraine have included questions about the pace and scope of military aid. A recent report suggested that some Western producers may not be able to deliver the most advanced weapons immediately, given the scale of the transition and the need to adapt equipment to Ukraine’s unique requirements [WSJ]. Nevertheless, Kyiv continues to pursue partnerships that could broaden its technical base and expand local manufacturing capacity, signaling a steady shift toward domestic production where feasible.
Analysts have long noted that Ukraine’s arms industry faces a prolonged recovery period. The country’s defense sector has experienced significant disruption, requiring extensive rebuilding of supply chains, manufacturing facilities, and skilled labor. While Western manufacturers have supplied crucial equipment and components, the prospect of creating and certifying new, cutting-edge systems within Ukraine involves substantial investment and time. The current talks with American firms are viewed as an important step in a multi-phase plan to revitalize Ukraine’s industrial base and reduce long-term reliance on foreign suppliers, even as Western allies continue to provide essential support [White House briefings], [Rada TV] and independent assessments.
Earlier remarks from a U.S. advisor to the Biden administration suggested that the United States might alter its arms transfer approach, prioritizing aid that enhances Ukraine’s own production capacity rather than relying solely on shipments of ready-made weapons. This shift could align with Kyiv’s strategy of building domestic capabilities and integrating foreign technology through joint ventures, license agreements, and technology transfers. If realized, the plan would represent a significant change in how international partners contribute to Ukraine’s defense readiness, with potential implications for procurement timelines and defense-sector policy in North America and Europe.