BAE Systems and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) specialist AMS Integrated Solutions Ltd have teamed to offer support for artillery systems being used in Ukraine that were produced by BAE Systems, the company announced on 18 December 2023.
During a visit to Kyiv in mid-December 2023 the two companies signed an agreement that will enable them to offer specialised artillery system support directly to the Ukrainian armed forces from within Ukraine. Under the agreement the BAE Systems and AMS team will offer repair and support services for artillery systems donated by the UK government.
AMS already has an agreement with the UK Ministry of Defence to repair platforms in use in Ukraine and has established facilities in country, where it employs Ukrainian engineers, to carry out this work. These facilities and technicians will now also be used to support BAE’s artillery systems.
“We have many years of experience in supporting our products all over the world, sometimes in very challenging environments. We’re proud to be able to bring that knowledge and expertise, combined with AMS’s capabilities and in-country facilities, to support our products in-service with the Ukrainian armed forces,” John Borton, managing director of the Weapon Systems UK business for BAE Systems, was quoted as saying in a company press release.
“By working with AMS’s skilled engineers in country, we can help the Ukrainian armed forces get critical artillery equipment back into operational service more quickly,” added Gabby Costigan, Group Managing Director of Business Development for BAE Systems. “This agreement is another example of our ongoing commitment to support Ukraine, building on the establishment of a local entity earlier this year. As we move ahead, we’ll continue to explore the best ways we can help Ukraine deliver long-term national security.”
Gary Riordan, CEO of AMS, was quoted as saying, “At AMS, we are honoured to join forces with BAE Systems in reinforcing our commitment to support Ukraine’s war effort. Our partnership signifies a union of expertise and dedication, leveraging BAE Systems’ extensive experience in manufacturing artillery systems and our proven track record in maintenance, repair and overhaul services. This collaboration allows us to utilise our in-country facilities and skilled engineers to rapidly restore critical artillery equipment, ensuring the resilience and readiness of Ukraine’s defence capabilities.”
Both BAE Systems and AMS have significant proven expertise in the support of medium- and large-calibre weapon systems. BAE Systems originally manufactured a significant proportion of the equipment that the UK and other governments have provided to Ukraine and is currently working with neighbouring NATO countries to provide support, training and repairs to the Ukrainian armed forces.
AMS was originally established in 2001 to provide expeditionary fleet sustainment services to NATO Forces in Kosovo during the Balkans conflict. The company now provides MRO services to governments, aid agencies and commercial organisations around the world.
