Ukraine, Lockheed Martin discuss F-16 upkeep, PAC-3 supply
Defense Minister Yevheniy Khmara and Armed Forces Commander in Chief Mykhailo Drapaty met a delegation of the American defense company Lockheed Martin, led by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics President Orlando Sanchez Jr., and discussed the importance of stable arms supplies and further cooperation, the Defense Ministry said.
On Wednesday, Ukraine's Defense Minister Yevheniy Khmara and Armed Forces Commander in Chief Mykhailo Drapaty met with a delegation from American defense company Lockheed Martin. The meeting focused on maintaining stable arms supplies and strengthening cooperation, according to the Defense Ministry. Both sides agreed to continue their mutually beneficial partnership for years to come, with Ukraine ready to share its combat experience to enhance defense solutions.
The discussion also touched on the importance of the F-16 aircraft for Ukraine's Air Force. It was emphasized that Ukraine needs to expand the geography of F-16 maintenance, including through localization. Khmara stressed that F-16s are a crucial part of Ukraine's aviation and the country is committed to a long-term partnership with Lockheed Martin.
The meeting also addressed the scaling up of PAC-3 interceptor missile supplies to counter Russian ballistic missile strikes. Khmara reiterated the importance of increasing arms supplies and ensuring as many F-16s as possible remain in service and operational in Ukrainian skies. Lockheed Martin products, including F-16s, PAC-3 missiles, and HIMARS rocket systems, have already been deployed to defend Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Lockheed Martin team earlier in the week and later affirmed the company's role in defending against Russian ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones. The leaders discussed ways to expand and increase arms supplies, emphasizing the importance of Lockheed Martin's presence in Ukraine and their joint efforts to strengthen their partnership.
Written by urgent.news from Interfax-Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
