On Thursday, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced that British defense contractor BAE systems is planning to “localize in Ukraine” the manufacture of British L119 and US M777 howitzers, as well as Swedish CV90 infantry fighting vehicles,

After meeting with the head of the company, Charles Woodburn, Zelensky wrote on his Telegram channel that there are even plans in the works to “open an office of BAE Systems in Ukraine.”

Zelensky indicated that the company had already started working in Ukraine.

Zelensky wrote, “I met with the company’s CEO Charles Woodburn. Very productive: the company’s office in Ukraine, localization of production in Ukraine,” adding that the government in Kiev “highly appreciates when private companies open their offices in our country at this time.”

Ukraine and BAE Systems have already inked an agreement on cooperation which will localize BAE Systems’ production of weapons in Ukraine. Zelensky’s press service said that the deal specified that the British manufacturer will establish a facility for the production, repair, and supply of spare parts for the L119 howitzers.

Zelensky said, “The best weapon… should be produced in Ukraine. The development of our own weapons production is one of the top priorities.”

Earlier in the month, Woodburn had said that there had been progress by the defense contractor on the establishment of a base in Ukraine which would manufacture and repair weapons systems, from artillery to tanks.

Of the plans, he has said, “It’s definitely progressing,” adding, “[the] first step is around opening an office and then working with a local partner.”