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UK Lawmakers Propose Joint UK–Ukraine Defence Manufacturing Hub to Speed Arms Delivery
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
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A cross-party group of British MPs is urging the UK government to establish a joint UK–Ukraine defense production centre aimed at accelerating weapons deliveries to Ukraine and strengthening the UK’s defense industrial base.
According to UK Defense Journal on April 14, the proposed initiative would allocate part of the UK’s annual £3 billion (approximately $4 billion) defense assistance for Ukraine toward building production facilities in Britain.
The majority of the equipment manufactured would be supplied directly to Ukraine, while a portion would remain for British military use.
Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View and Co-Chair of the Defense Technology All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), stated that the initiative would allow for faster and more efficient support to Ukraine while generating new jobs and enhancing domestic production capabilities.
The plan envisions a public-private partnership model. It would mobilize private investment to establish rapid production lines for military equipment, with Ukraine’s involvement helping to align output with current battlefield needs and technological advancements.
The APPG noted that several organizations have already expressed interest in similar initiatives, and the group plans to convene a roundtable to coordinate efforts. The formal proposal is expected to be submitted to the UK government later this year.
Earlier, in January 2025, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that the UK would fund the production of air defense systems and long-range weapons in Ukraine. The initiative followed his talks with UK Defense Secretary John Healey and builds on a £2.26 billion (approximately $3 billion) loan provided by Britain to support Ukraine’s military capabilities.
