France, Australia to produce shells for Ukraine
France and Australia agreed on joint manufacturing of shells for Ukraine, French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu (pictured) declared on Monday.
Addressing the press, the minister specified that Paris and Canberra undertook to create "several thousands" of 155-millimeter shells to aid Kiev. "These shells will be produced as part of a partnership between French and Australian industries," he added, disclosing that French government-owned weapons manufacturer Nexter Systems will participate in the venture.
The statement comes following Lecornu's meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Marles, which marked the first round of high-level talks between the two countries as part of their effort to mend ties after Canberra scrapped their previous submarine project.