Thales Belgium, based in Herstal, has signed a cooperation protocol with a Ukrainian defense company with a view to increasing local production of anti-drone missiles, several Ukrainian media report citing the Minister of Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin.
The partnership with Thales Belgium (formerly Forges de Zeebrugge) will help Ukraine produce more FZ275 LGR missiles, i.e. 70 mm rockets guided by lasers. These missiles are already widely used by Ukrainian and other European forces.
The Thales company, in Herstal, will quintuple its rocket production to support European defense: around fifty jobs created by 2025
Thales Belgium confirmed the deal, saying the anti-drone systems would initially be assembled at an existing site operated by Ukraine’s defense partner. The precise location has not been disclosed for security reasons.
A military hub
The collaboration is part of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s broader vision to make Ukraine a military hub for Western allies. In recent months, Ukraine has entered into similar partnerships with European defense giants, including Germany’s Rheinmetall and Britain’s BAE Systems.
Mr. Zelensky sees these projects as not only essential for military power, but also a catalyst for Ukraine’s war-ravaged economy, which has contracted significantly since the start of the conflict. Despite ongoing challenges, such as local mismanagement and supply chain bottlenecks, Ukraine sees Western technology and investment as key to advancing its defense sector and closing the gap with Russian capabilities.
The agreement concluded with Thales Belgium could also allow Ukraine to improve its defense situation and narrow the gap with Russian capabilities. These missiles will be used in particular to protect Ukrainian critical infrastructure, regularly targeted by Russian attacks.
Belgium
