Ukraine and the UK signed a roadmap for a century-long defense partnership on Friday, according to Denys Shmyhal, defense minister.
In a statement on Telegram, Shmyhal said that he had met with British Defence Secretary John Healey in Kyiv to sign the document consolidating “defense cooperation in 2026 in a number of key security areas.”
“The UK has already made a significant contribution to strengthening our ability to repel Russian terror,” Shmyhal said, adding that production of Octopus interceptor drones would be scaled up to 1,000 per month.
The officials also discussed “opportunities for joint strategic industrial projects in air defense and long-range weapons,” as well as “prospects for localizing the production of Swedish Gripen aircraft” and “strengthening the protection of Ukraine’s maritime domain.”
Shmyhal said that he had briefed Healey on the consequences of a huge overnight strike by Russia on Friday which saw Moscow hitting Ukraine with its flagship Oreshnik missile.
“Strengthening air defense and ensuring a sufficient supply of ammunition for these systems remain key priorities,” the defense minister said.
The pair also prepared for a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, also referred to as the Ramstein group, due to take place in February.
“This is an important step toward implementing large-scale projects made possible by the One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement between Ukraine and the United Kingdom,” Shmyhal explained.
Healey on X condemned Russia’s “barrage of attacks on Ukraine overnight,” describing it as “another attempt by [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to terrorize Ukraine and threaten Europe’s security.”
“My visit to Kyiv today underlines the UK’s resolute support for a just and lasting peace,” he said.
In September 2025 Ukraine’s parliament ratified a 100-year partnership with the UK expanding cooperation in security, defense, the economy, science, technology and culture.
It came after an initial landmark 100 year partnership deal agreed by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and President Volodymyr Zelensky in January 2025 on a visit by the British premier to Kyiv.
“The unbreakable bonds between the UK and Ukraine will be formalised through the landmark new 100 Year Partnership between the two countries, broadening and deepening the relationship across defense and non-military areas and enabling closer community links,” the prime minister’s office said in a statement at the time.
“From working together on the world stage to breaking down barriers to trade and growth and nurturing cultural links, the mutually beneficial partnership will see the UK and Ukraine advocate for each other to renew, rebuild and reform for generations to come.”