Kyiv signed a deal to manufacture a howitzer designed by defense giant BAE Systems, a potential blueprint for Ukraine's goal to produce other Western-designed weapons, including Patriot missiles. A domestic arms maker in Ukraine will launch production on BAE Systems' L119, a lightweight howitzer that is towed into position or moved by helicopter and fires shells in a range of up to 10.5 miles. The weapons, a class of mobile, long-barreled gun that fires shells, have been a stalwart of Ukraine's war against Russia.

Several Western defense companies have discussed manufacturing weapons in the war-torn country. But only a handful of smaller foreign drone makers have managed to launch production. The L119 agreement could test whether Ukraine can scale up to more sophisticated systems like air-defense missiles. If successful, the arrangement may open the door for licensed production of advanced missile systems, reducing reliance on foreign supply lines and accelerating delivery timelines for critical capabilities.