Boeing, Antonov Announce MOU For Defense Collaboration

FARNBOROUGH—Boeing on July 22 announced an agreement to explore ways to collaborate with Ukraine’s Antonov on defense programs, the latest step in efforts to bolster Kyiv’s defense industrial base.

The announcement, which comes on the first day of the Farnborough Airshow, focuses on training and maintenance for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) that are used extensively by Ukraine’s armed forces. This includes Boeing’s Insitu ScanEagle.

“We’re pleased to continue working with the Antonov Company to support Ukraine development and economic growth,” Ted Colbert, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said in an announcement. “This agreement demonstrates our ongoing efforts to find more opportunities to work with Ukrainian industry, which was underscored by our signing of the Ukrainian Defense Industry Compact earlier this year.”

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) will also explore ways for Antonov to provide engineering support to Boeing.

“A strong, innovative, and efficient defense industry is key to sustainable economic development and national security, and we are extremely excited to collaborate with Boeing,” Antonov CEO Ievhen Gavrylov said in the announcement. “This agreement brings a whole new level of opportunity to implement the latest and most effective solutions—in addition to the possibility of future projects with Boeing in the aerospace and defense industry.”

The U.S. Department of Defense has been pushing for increased collaboration between the U.S. and Ukrainian industrial base to help that nation’s near-term needs while also looking at the long term. Other companies that have also announced similar efforts include Northrop Grumman, which will help stand up an artillery production line in Ukraine.