A Farnham man has been awarded a CBE in the King's New Year Honours list after leading BAE Systems' support of the Ukrainian armed forces.

Dr Charles Woodburn, chief executive of the Surrey-based multinational arms, security and aerospace company, has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to international trade and skills.

The award recognises the role he has played in major international trade partnerships, including AUKUS, the Global Combat Air Programme and leading the company’s support for the Ukrainian armed forces.

It comes just months after BAE Systems set up a local entity in Ukraine this August and signed deals with the government there to help ramp up Kyiv's supply of weapons and equipment.

As the UK's biggest defence contractor, BAE has manufactured much of the equipment that Britain and other governments have provided to Ukraine as it fends off Russia's invasion.

Britain is a key defence supplier for Ukraine and in May became the first country to start supplying Kyiv with long-range cruise missiles.

"The best weapons that are currently helping our warriors defend Ukraine should be produced in Ukraine," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy following a meeting with BAE chief executive Dr Woodburn.

"The development of our own weapons production is a top priority," he said.

BAE, which has benefited from increased defence spending as a result of the conflict, is already providing training and repair services to Ukraine's armed forces.

"Signing the agreements and establishing a legal entity in Ukraine builds on our existing trust and support and paves the way for us to work together to provide more direct support to the Ukrainian armed forces," said BAE's Dr Woodburn in a statement in August.

Domestically, Dr Woodburn has championed opportunities for young people, serving as chair of the charity Movement to Work this year, and overseeing the doubling of BAE Systems’ apprentice and graduate recruitment intake over the past five years.

He has also played an important role as a leading voice on behalf of the defence and security industry in the UK and around the world.

On his CBE award, Dr Woodburn said: “I am humbled to receive this award – it’s a huge honour that belongs to the entire team at BAE Systems, who work tirelessly day in, day out to provide critical capabilities and services to our armed forces, security services and other customers around the world.”