French ambassador believes in success of contract for construction of patrol boats for Ukraine

He said this at a ceremony to sign the contact in Mykolaiv on Wednesday, July 22, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry's press service reported.

"The first talks began two years ago and we hope that the first boats will be delivered to customers in 2021," de Poncins said.

He said the contract was a follow-up to another major project - the supply of 55 Airbus helicopters.

"These two contracts fit into the context of France's political support for Ukraine," the diplomat said.

Oleksiy Vadaturskyi, CEO of Nibulon, stressed that the company was ready to fulfill the terms of the contract as soon as possible.

"For us, this is a great challenge and recognition by the French company. We are reviving Dnipro, building the Ukrainian fleet and doing everything to make Ukraine a maritime country, not a country by the sea. It is a great honor for us to build Ukraine's security sector. We are ready to do the work as soon as possible," he said.

On July 22, Ukraine's State Border Guard Service and France's OCEA signed a contract for the construction of 20 patrol boats under the Ukrainian-French intergovernmental framework agreement on official support for strengthening Ukraine's maritime security and defense.

Chairman of the State Border Guard Service Serhii Deineko and OCEA CEO Roland Joassard signed the contract.

Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov, who was also present at the signing ceremony, noted that the project envisages the construction of 20 modern patrol boats within three years.

He also noted that OCEA had chosen the Nibulon plant as a partner based on its high level of professionalism and competence.

Commenting on the signing of the contract, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal called the agreement a successful example of support for the national producer.

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