Association becomes one of only two U.S. organizations selected for prestigious partnership
Today, the Utah Aerospace and Defense Association announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry for Strategic Industries of Ukraine. Signed by Aaron Starks, President and Chief Executive Officer of Utah Aerospace and Defense, and Oleksandr Kamyshin, Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine, in Washington, D.C., the agreement represents a significant step forward in fostering collaboration between Ukraine and Utah’s aerospace, defense, and security companies.
The MOU reflects a shared commitment to promoting industry growth and development in Ukraine, further strengthening the close relationship between Ukraine and Utah. The agreement creates a framework for critical industries in Ukraine and Utah-based companies to cooperate on armored vehicle manufacturing; artillery and air defense systems; aerospace equipment; autonomous systems; and more. It will open up pathways for Utah companies to explore manufacturing opportunities in Ukraine, and for the Ukrainian government and private sector to source strategic goods and services from Utah’s robust industry.
“We highly value the commitment and support that Utah has shown our country. Utah was the first state-level leadership delegation to visit Ukraine after the full-scale invasion, and we will always remember that,” said Minister Kamyshin. “We are excited to execute this MOU with Utah Aerospace and Defense because it will help us bring U.S. defense companies to Ukraine, expedite our victory in the war and begin rebuilding our nation. A special thank you to Aaron Starks and his team for their support and collaboration.”
“We highly value the commitment and support that Utah has shown our country. Utah was the first state-level leadership delegation to visit Ukraine after the full-scale invasion, and we will always remember that,”
“This is a historic milestone in Utah’s relationship with Ukraine and a major opportunity to leverage critical industries for a more peaceful and prosperous world,” said Starks. “Our industry leaders in Utah stand with Ukrainians and we will do whatever we can to help them win the war and build a smart, robust economy.”
The new partnership comes on the heels of a Utah delegation visit to Ukraine earlier this year when Starks joined Utah Senate President Stuart Adams and other leaders in Kyiv for high-level government and private-sector meetings. The delegation visit resulted in the opening of various channels for Utah companies and organizations to provide humanitarian assistance and participate in the rebuilding of Ukraine’s economy.
Under this MOU, Utah Aerospace and Defense and the Ministry for Strategic Industries of Ukraine will cooperate more closely on aerospace, defense, and security initiatives, underlying the commitment of both parties to advancing critical technologies, economic growth, and national security.
