Ukrainian Delegation Meets With Arms Makers Raytheon, Lockheed Martin

A Ukrainian delegation has met with representatives from US arms makers Raytheon and Lockheed Martin on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

While the agenda of the meeting is unclear, Head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office Andriy Yermak hinted at deepening defense cooperation between Kyiv and Washington.

Yermak, in his Telegram update, also noted the significance of US weapons in defending Ukraine.

“Their technologies save lives: F-16s and modern air defense systems protect Ukrainian skies, and their offensive solutions reliably support our forces at the front,” the update says.

“Every downed Russian missile or destroyed enemy command post proves the quality of American weapons and the professionalism of our soldiers,” it adds.

Before the delegation’s visit, President Volodymyr Zelensky said energy, sanctions and defense would dominate the agenda, with the long-requested transfer of Tomahawk missiles likely taking center stage.

Raytheon makes the Tomahawk missiles.

Zelensky recently also hinted at progress on a $50 billion “mega-drone deal” with the US, though it’s unclear if the talks with Raytheon and Lockheed Martin were tied to the Tomahawks, the drone deal, or neither.

Yermak said the delegation consists of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Serhiy Kyslytsia, and Ambassador to the US Olha Stefanishyna.

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