Ukraine and Thales Belgium to Collaborate on Drone Interceptor Missiles

Ukraine has signed a memorandum of understanding with Belgian defense contractor Thales to collaborate on the production of missiles designed for countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

According to Herman Smetanin, Ukraine’s Minister for Strategic Industries, the agreement aims to establish joint manufacturing of the missiles, enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities against hostile drones. The memorandum signals a significant step in strengthening Ukraine’s defense industry, particularly in the realm of air defense.

Minister Smetanin indicated that the cooperation could eventually expand to include the transfer of technologies and components necessary for missile production. This partnership is expected to bolster Ukraine’s military-industrial complex and improve the protection of critical infrastructure from aerial threats.

Defense Express reports that the collaboration may focus on the production of the FZ275 LGR missiles, which are already in service with Ukraine’s defense forces. The FZ275 LGR is a 70-mm missile equipped with semi-active laser guidance.

The FZ275 LGR, known for its semi-active guidance system, is among the most technologically advanced variants of the unguided 70-mm rockets produced by Thales Belgium. These rockets are utilized in various applications, including aerial and ground-launch systems for targeting both ground and aerial objectives.

The missile was initially developed by Forges de Zeebrugge and is manufactured at the Erstal munitions factory in Belgium. It underwent testing in 2015, demonstrating its capabilities on South African Rooivalk helicopters.

With its standardized 70-mm caliber, the FZ275 LGR is compatible with Ukraine’s Vampire systems, which are deployed to intercept enemy drones, alongside American-made APKWS missiles with semi-active guidance.