Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for European Integration Serhiy Boyev discussed plans for industrial cooperation in the defense industry with Special Envoy of the President of France for Ukraine's Relief and Reconstruction Pierre Heilbronn, the press service of the Defense Ministry reports.

"Ukrainian production facilities need additional funding to fully utilize their capacities. We produce shells, artillery mounts and long-range drones. But air defense remains an important need - we are ready to discuss options for joint production of air defense systems and interceptors for them," Boyev emphasized during a discussion of Ukraine's priority strategic projects in the defense industry for 2025 and ways to finance them.

He stressed that France is a leader in production of air defense and missile defense systems, and it is important that cooperation between Ukraine and France in this area develops.

"This is important not only to strengthen the capabilities of the Ukrainian defense forces now, but also to ensure long-term production and defense capability in the future," Boyev added.