BAE Systems originally manufactured much of the equipment that governments have provided to Ukraine. Working with neighbouring NATO countries, the Company is currently providing support, training and repairs to the Ukrainian armed forces.
The first agreement reinforces BAE Systems’ support to Ukraine. It paves the way for the Company to work alongside Armed Forces Ukraine (AFU) to understand and support its future force structure and capability requirements and to help revitalise Ukraine’s industrial base. The second agreement builds on that support and creates a framework for BAE Systems to work directly with Ukraine to explore potential partners and how it could ultimately facilitate the production of 105 mm Light Guns in the country. BAE Systems has set up a local entity ready to support such aspirations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that BAE Systems' weapons, like the L119 and M777 artillery, and CV90 infantry vehicles, are being used in Ukraine and have received great feedback. They're helping Ukraine get closer to victory against Russia.
According to him, Ukraine wants to help create a new, effective system for both European and global security. This cannot be done without a strong defense industry.
The L119 is originally a British lightweight 105mm howitzer also used by the United States Army, where it is designated the M119. The L119/M119 fires standard NATO semi-fixed ammunition. Depending on the ammunition, the maximum range of the weapon can be from 7 to 11.8 miles (11.5 to 19 kilometers).
The Armed Forces of Ukraine use the L119 as a replacement for the morally and physically obsolete D-30 122-mm howitzer developed in the USSR. One of the advantages of the L119 is its relatively low weight. Thanks to this, the weapon can even be towed by HMMWVs.
Sources: BAE Systems, president.gov.ua