In collaboration with colleagues in the Ukrainian Embassy, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, and ADS, last week, a special edition of the ADS President’s Breakfast series commemorated the rich 100 Year Partnership that Ukraine and the UK signed.

The meeting between the Foreign Secretary, the Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Mission to the UK and senior stakeholders from the UK defence industry underlined the efforts by all parties to further enhance industry relationships in the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors.

These included:

  • Bringing to life the 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine by using industry to build trade, security and defence co-operation.
  • Exploring how the UK and Ukraine can work in partnership to ensure a strong, enabling and easy to navigate environment for industry to support Ukrainian victory.
  • The role of the UK defence industry in promoting European and NATO defence and security.

Kevin Craven, CEO, ADS shared his thoughts:

“The UK defence industry’s support to Ukraine continues and is unwavering. It is an honour for ADS and our members to work in such close collaboration with the Ukrainian Ambassador, the Foreign Secretary, and our many colleagues across the two nations who have the same goal: the strengthening of our collective security.

“UK support to Ukraine has, at its heart, the knowledge that helping Ukraine is protecting our values and way of life. It is a testament to the strength of our innovation and leadership in defence and security, and of our agility in working together, wherever we are needed be that in Ukraine or closer to home.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

“The UK’s defence industry is key to our growth and security by creating jobs, driving forward innovation and collaborating internationally. Nowhere is the need to work together felt more acutely than in Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s barbaric and illegal invasion.

“Our 100 Year Partnership, signed by the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy last week, is a platform for the UK defence industry to bring that cutting-edge technology and expertise to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom and long-term security. With the right support, Ukraine can and will prevail.”

Deputy Head of Mission Eduard Fesko said:

“Ukraine stands as a beacon of innovation in modern warfare, transforming challenges into groundbreaking advancements. At the forefront of this transformation, Ukrainian companies are reshaping the defense landscape with cutting-edge, low-cost technologies like AI-enabled drones and advanced battlefield capabilities. However, to fully realize this potential, the support of international partners, particularly the UK defense sector, is crucial.

“Collaboration through financial investments, integration of Ukrainian firms into UK supply chains, joint innovation hubs and localizing the manufacturing of UK weapon systems in Ukraine can not only fortify Ukraine’s defense capabilities but also strengthen global security. Together, we can ensure that Ukraine’s ingenuity and resilience continue to protect the values of sovereignty, democracy, and freedom. Let’s build a stronger, safer future—together.

ADS President David Lockwood commented:

“I am incredibly proud of the role that Babcock has played in supporting Ukraine. I was pleased to be able to use my platform as President of ADS, to speak alongside the Foreign Secretary and reinforce our commitment and partnership to the people of Ukraine.”