Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Ukrainian Angel of Mariupol visits NP Aerospace

Defence

Ukrainian Angel of Mariupol visits NP Aerospace

Yuliia Paievska, the famous ‘Taira’ Angel of Mariupol who saved 500 Ukranian lives in the conflict visited NP Aerospace’s Foleshill Road facility this week to find out what goes into manufacturing life-saving armour used by Ukrainian soldiers.

Above: (back row left to right) Peter Luczka (Vice Chair of Coventry Ukrainian community), Rosa Hrebenyk (new arrival from Ukraine on the family scheme), Mario Kosmirak (chair of Coventry Ukrainian Community) Yuliia Paievska, 'Taira' Paramedic, frontline combat, James Kempston, CEO NP Aerospace, Valentyn Vorona, Naval Officer, frontline combat medic, Luba Kosmirak (chair of Coventry Ukrainian women’s association), Vladyslav Shatilo, National Guard Officer, Paramedic, frontline combat unit (front row left to right) Prof Renata Gomes, Chief Scientific Officer, BRAVO VICTOR, Oleksii Soloviov, Specialist Coach, frontline combat volunteer, Pavlo Kononenko Chief of Staff, Ministry of Veteran Affairs of Ukraine and Igor Kholodylo, National Guard Officer, Paramedic, frontline combat unit.
Courtesy NP Aerospace

Advertisement
ODU RT

She was accompanied by a group of Ukraine frontline military and humanitarian personnel who are in the UK training for the US Army’s Warrior Games in Miami to recognise the resiliency of wounded, ill, and injured veterans.

Yuliia is the founder and leader of Taira’s Angels, a volunteer medical evacuation unit which has been working in Mariupol to support military personnel and civilians. Other organisations included in the visit were BRAVO VICTOR and Blind Veterans UK, who are hosting the group, along with members of the Coventry Ukrainian community based in Foleshill.

NP Aerospace has manufactured and delivered more than 20,000 sets of life-saving body armour plates and carrier vests to Ukraine military personnel in the last three months and is continuing to increase production to meet demand with the addition of 90 factory operators.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

James Kempston, CEO, NP Aerospace, said: “This was a very personal day for our employees who had the opportunity to speak with the individuals using the life-saving products we make on a daily basis. It really puts what we do into perspective when you meet, face-to-face, the soldiers who will one day be saved from the armour you are making. What an honour to meet the Ukrainian Warrior Games team and frontline soldiers. We are pleased to be able to give our support.”

Prof. Renata Gomes, Chief Scientific Officer, BRAVO VICTOR, commented: “Preventing injuries in military and veterans is an important part of BRAVO VICTOR’s research. We are delighted that NP Aerospace uses knowledge and research to protect those serving.”

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
UK Defence Diplomacy Strategy launched

Defence

UK Defence Diplomacy Strategy launched

24 March 2026

UK military personnel will be put through their paces as part of a new diplomacy training programme, upskilling specialists in negotiation and languages as part of the UK's first Defence Diplomacy Strategy launched today. 

DroneShield and OpenWorks Engineering expand C2 interoperability

Defence Security

DroneShield and OpenWorks Engineering expand C2 interoperability

24 March 2026

Counter-unmanned systems (C-UxS) solutions provider, DroneShield, today announced interoperability between DroneSentry-C2 command-and-control software and optical sensing technologies from OpenWorks Engineering.

Fiona Walters takes over as Serco’s UK & Europe CEO

Defence Security Space

Fiona Walters takes over as Serco’s UK & Europe CEO

24 March 2026

Fiona Walters has taken up her role as CEO of the UK & Europe division of Serco, having joined Serco in September 2025 from G4S, where she was Regional CEO for the UK & Ireland, leading a team of more than 30,000 people.

GKN Aerospace delivers upgraded RM12 engine to Swedish Armed Forces

Defence

GKN Aerospace delivers upgraded RM12 engine to Swedish Armed Forces

24 March 2026

GKN Aerospace has successfully delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to the Swedish Armed Forces, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing RM12EP (Enhanced Performance) programme.

Advertisement
ODU RT
FNX Ventures invests in Sentinel Photonics

Defence

FNX Ventures invests in Sentinel Photonics

24 March 2026

Sentinel Photonics, a UK defence technology company specialising in laser detection, prevention and intelligence, has secured investment from European venture capital firm, FNX Ventures.

Spectra launches GENSS production version

Defence Space Events

Spectra launches GENSS production version

23 March 2026

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, specialists in delivering secure, reliable and resilient beyond line-of-sight communications for operations in denied and contested environments, has formally launched the production version of GENSS at the Satellite Show.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner