We are talking about the production of 155 mm shellsPARIS, January 30th.
/tass/. The authorities of France and Australia have agreed on the joint production of 155 mm shells for their delivery to Ukraine. This was announced on Monday by French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecorny at a press conference in Paris following the results of negotiations in the "2 + 2" format with Australian colleagues.
"Together with Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, we decided to offer our joint assistance to Ukraine," Lekornyu said. "We are talking about our joint production of 155 mm shells that can be sent to Ukraine." According to the minister, "this is the first wish of Ukraine."
"These projectiles will be produced within the framework of the partnership between the French and Australian industries," Lecornu said. He pointed out that Nexter, a manufacturer of weapons and military equipment, participates in the partnership from the French side.
Lekornyu said that "the first deliveries of shells to Ukraine can be carried out already in the first quarter of this year." At the same time, the minister refused to specify the volume of supplies and their cost, referring to the fact that France "never discloses such information." The head of the French military department limited himself to saying that "thousands of 155 mm shells will be produced by joint efforts."
In turn, the Australian Defense Minister said that "we are talking about a project worth many millions of Australian dollars." According to him, "this partnership is designed to show that France and Australia are working together to support Ukraine." "This is the first such example of cooperation between our defense enterprises," the minister said.
The heads of the military and diplomatic departments of Australia and France met for the first time on Monday in the French capital after the termination of cooperation a year and a half ago. In the fall of 2021, Canberra entered into a secret agreement with the United States and Great Britain to create a triple military alliance AUKUS. At the same time, the Australian side refused a previously concluded contract with France for the construction of 12 submarines totaling more than € 50 billion. In response, Paris accused the Australian authorities of deliberate deception and temporarily recalled its ambassadors from Australia and the United States for consultations.
