British weapons 'could be made in Ukraine'

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British officials are said to be in talks about the manufacture of British weapons and other military equipment in Ukraine.

Rishi Sunak has opened up the possibility of to send fighter jets to Kiev after President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the West to commit to "wings for freedom".

British defense industry leaders are currently discussing of a deal that would see weapons and vehicles built in Ukraine under license, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

There is a race to put Britain 'leading the way', a defense official told the newspaper, with Europeans the defense contractors also believed to be in talks.

Experts said any deal would have to be endorsed by Mr. Sunak. “It might initially be presented as commercial, but it will need at least tacit political approval,” said Ed Arnold of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).

Defense expert Francis Tusa said that no deal would be reached after the end of the war with Russia - warning that the arms factories would be Kremlin targets.

"A tank factory is not small. And quite frankly, if I'm Putin, that'll be one of the first places I go out,” Mr. One said. 2023.

NATO has asked the German government to remain in charge of the force - which directs defense against Russia - for another year because Britain lacks the necessary personnel , according to German media.

NATO fears that British forces will not be able to take command of the Force e Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) before the January 2024 deadline, according to Table.Media.

DoD sources supported the reports from the Mail on Sunday. "Our forces are also stretched because of the extent to which they are training Ukrainian forces," they said.

Earlier this week, Mr Sunak hinted that fighter jets could be provided after Mr Zelensky called in 'powerful English planes' during a surprise trip to the UK.

The Ukrainian leader said Mr Sunak told him of his 'desire' to supply the aircraft. But Number 10 played down the idea that the planes could be donated soon, describing the idea as a "long-term" possibility.

The...