The UK government has concluded an agreement with the Irish company Thales to produce more than 5,000 anti -tank guided missiles for Ukraine. About it reports The Economist. This order was a significant impetus for the development of Thales, located in Northern Ireland.
According to the agreement, within the next two years the number of employees at Thales will increase from 850 to 1050 people. In addition, the company plans to open a third plant in Northern Ireland, which indicates a significant expansion of production capacity.
The Economist also notes that the change in geopolitics with the arrival of US President Donald Trump can have a positive effect on increasing defense orders for Northern Ireland. In particular, Esmond Birney's Olster University economist believes that Harland and Wolff, known for the construction of a Titanic, can also obtain more contracts because of the strategic importance of her huge dry dock in Belfast.
Northern Ireland seeks to keep peace and supports Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion. It accepts Ukrainian refugees, and all major parties of the region stand for Ukraine.
However, the publication emphasizes that establishing peace in Ukraine and ensuring stability in Europe can lead to an increase in defense contracts for Northern Ireland, which causes ambiguous reactions.
