France to start making weapons with Kyiv

France has agreed to begin joint weapons production with Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in industrial defence cooperation as Kyiv simultaneously announced it will open exports of its locally manufactured military equipment, paving the way for what officials described as “large-scale joint projects”.

Strategic defence partnership takes shape

The agreement will see French defence firms collaborate directly with Ukrainian partners to manufacture military hardware on Ukrainian soil, with production focused on systems urgently needed for frontline operations. Officials in Kyiv said the move represents a shift from aid-based supply chains toward sustainable, co-owned industrial capacity.

Ukrainian authorities framed the partnership as a milestone in building a self-reliant defence sector while deepening integration with European security structures. French officials, meanwhile, emphasised that joint production will shorten delivery timelines, reduce logistical exposure, and strengthen Ukraine’s long-term deterrence capability.

The initiative follows months of negotiations aimed at moving beyond arms donations toward embedded manufacturing, technology transfer, and shared maintenance platforms.

Exports signal confidence in domestic arms industry

In parallel with the French agreement, Ukraine confirmed it is reopening exports of selected domestically produced weapon systems. The decision reflects growing confidence in local manufacturing capacity, which has expanded rapidly since the start of the war through decentralised production networks and accelerated innovation cycles.

Ukrainian-made drones, electronic warfare tools, and artillery-related components are expected to be among the first products offered to international partners. Officials stressed that exports will not undermine domestic supply, noting that production volumes now exceed immediate battlefield requirements in several categories.

For Kyiv, arms exports serve a dual purpose: generating hard currency while reinforcing strategic partnerships with countries seeking combat-tested systems.

Europe moves from support to co-production

France’s involvement highlights a broader European transition from financial and military assistance toward structural defence integration. Rather than shipping finished equipment, partner states are increasingly investing directly in Ukrainian production lines, enabling faster adaptation to evolving combat conditions.

This model also benefits European manufacturers, who gain access to real-time battlefield feedback and rapid prototyping environments that are difficult to replicate in peacetime settings.

Analysts note that the approach mirrors wartime industrial strategies seen in previous conflicts, where proximity to operations accelerates innovation and lowers unit costs.

Economic and geopolitical implications

Beyond military considerations, the deal carries economic significance. Joint production is expected to create skilled jobs in Ukraine, attract foreign capital, and anchor long-term industrial development. For France, it reinforces leadership within Europe’s defence ecosystem while strengthening bilateral ties with Kyiv.

From a geopolitical perspective, the agreement signals sustained Western commitment at a time when global attention risks drifting. It also sends a clear message to Moscow that Ukraine’s defence capacity is becoming institutionalised rather than improvised.

Investors and policymakers are watching closely, as defence manufacturing increasingly intersects with industrial policy, supply-chain security, and regional stability.

Outlook: from battlefield necessity to permanent capability

Ukraine’s move into exports and co-production marks a turning point from emergency wartime procurement toward a structured defence economy. While challenges remain—ranging from infrastructure risk to financing—the framework now emerging suggests a durable partnership model rather than temporary support.

As France and Ukraine advance from cooperation to shared production, Kyiv is positioning itself not only as a recipient of aid, but as an active contributor to Europe’s future security architecture.

Newshub Editorial in Europe – 10 February 2026