British L119 artillery guns will be produced in Ukraine

Main image: Soldiers operating a 105mm light gun. Photo: Cpl Timothy Jones/UK Ministry of Defence

British defense company BAE Systems has signed a licensing agreement with a strategic partner in Ukraine to manufacture L119 Light Gun 105mm artillery systems.

The agreement was announced on the company’s website.

“At the Farnborough International Airshow, BAE Systems signed a licensing agreement with its strategic defense partner to localize production of Light Gun artillery systems in Ukraine,” the company said.

The L119 is a 105mm lightweight gun developed by BAE Systems. It is a high-performance, combat-proven towed artillery system valued for its mobility and reliability.

The agreement includes the transfer of technical information to Ukrainian partners, support in manufacturing the first gun, and subsequent testing.

The cooperation also includes the development of an L119 howitzer variant adapted to the needs of Ukraine’s Defense Forces.

BAE Systems said the project is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and creating sustainable industrial capacity to support the Defense Forces over the long term.

“Supporting Ukraine is not just about supplying equipment. It is also about working together to develop the industrial resilience, skills, and capabilities needed to sustain defense capacity over the long term,” BAE Systems said.

The agreement follows the company’s investments in artillery capabilities in the United Kingdom, including the restoration of domestic production capacity and support for the supply of British-designed 105mm and 155mm artillery barrels for Ukraine.