The French defense industry’s new weapons, especially anti-drone weapons, will be tested during defense operations in Ukraine, highlighting the role Ukraine increasingly plays as the top testing ground for Western weapons.
More advanced weapons may also be on the way, as Ukraine’s growing deficit in manpower may need to be compensated with technology. According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Statistics, Ukraine’s armed forces may need high-tech solutions if they want to win the war.
“Our French partners presented their own innovative developments in the field of defense technology – drone interceptors, electronic warfare, electronic jamming devices, products in the direction of biotechnology, and medical care provision. We intend to expand cooperation in these areas and test advanced French solutions in Ukraine to strengthen our military,” the Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Transformation notes in the report on the meeting with representatives of various Western companies.
In the United Kingdom, Evolve Dynamics engineers are also developing technology that can help Ukrainian reconnaissance drones counter Russian electronic warfare. This is a small but important part of international efforts by allies to support Ukraine.
Evolve Dynamics has delivered 100 Sky Mantis drones to Ukraine, making it one of the U.K.’s largest suppliers of drones to Ukraine, the company said.
However, Europe must be careful not to become “too protectionist” as it tries to build its defense and industrial base after the war in Ukraine, warned Mikael Johansson, chief executive of Sweden’s Saab, one of the region’s largest arms manufacturers. He said it was important to allow companies from third countries “to play a certain role under certain conditions.”
“We can’t become too protectionist — it can’t turn into ‘everything must be done by European companies. Foreign companies should have the opportunity to participate in the development of Europe’s defense potential,” the Saab chief added.
Johansson’s comments came as EU member states debate Brussels’ proposals for the bloc’s first defense industrial strategy.
The initiative encourages everything from joint procurement to prioritizing EU defense companies over non-EU suppliers. It has set a target of at least 50 percent of budget purchases being made from European defense suppliers by 2030.
