European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv to launch a new EU–Ukraine Defence Industrial Partnership and establish an EU–Ukraine Drone Deal, alongside announcing a further €1 billion for Ukrainian drone procurement. Speaking during her 11th visit since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, von der Leyen emphasized, “Ukraine is Europe and Europe is Ukraine,” highlighting Ukraine’s struggle for freedom as inseparable from Europe’s security and future.
New Defence Industrial Partnership and Drone Deal
The newly signed EU–Ukraine Defence Industrial Partnership aims to remove barriers between European and Ukrainian defence companies, align standards, protect intellectual property, and support joint ventures, research, production, and critical supply chains. This framework seeks to integrate Ukraine’s defence industry more closely with Europe’s.
Complementing this, the EU–Ukraine Drone Deal combines Ukraine’s battlefield-tested expertise with Europe’s industrial capacity and manufacturing scale. Von der Leyen stated, “This deal will bring together Ukrainian ingenuity and Europe’s industrial scale.” The initiative targets joint production of drones and counter-drone systems by the end of 2026. Cooperation is also expected to expand towards joint production of anti-ballistic missiles by 2028, alongside stronger artillery production and defence supply chains.
The Commission notes that Europe offers technological capacity, investment potential, and secure production sites, while Ukraine brings unique experience in rapidly adapting drone and counter-drone systems to battlefield needs. The partnership will accelerate the development and production of battle-proven capabilities, including radar, sensors, and ground stations, with some systems potentially stocked outside Ukraine for wider European defence readiness.
Financial Support and Strategic Integration
During her visit, a further €1 billion was disbursed for drone procurement under the broader €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan. This follows previous instalments, including €3.2 billion announced on 25 June and €3.9 billion for drones on 30 June. Additionally, a €10 billion plan has been approved to finance further drones, missiles, and fighter aircraft.
The Drone Deal will initially involve 18 European and Ukrainian companies, with their first meeting scheduled for Brussels in September. Ukraine has also been fully associated with the European Defence Fund and the European Defence Industry Programme, enabling Ukrainian and EU companies to participate jointly in defence research and development projects.
Von der Leyen underscored Ukraine’s evolving role, stating, “Ukraine has, in many ways, gone from being a buyer to a net security provider for Europe.” She also received the first-ever Order of Europe during her visit, and at St. Michael’s Square, she described Ukraine as an integral part of European history and identity, recalling sites like Bucha and Hostomel, and presenting a surviving statue from the destroyed Hryhorii Skovoroda Museum as a symbol of Ukraine’s unbreakable spirit.
FAQ
What is the EU-Ukraine Defence Industrial Partnership?
It is a new framework signed in Kyiv to remove barriers between European and Ukrainian defence companies, align standards, protect intellectual property, and support joint ventures, research, production, and supply chains.
What is the EU-Ukraine Drone Deal?
The Drone Deal combines Ukraine’s battlefield expertise with Europe’s industrial capacity to promote joint production of drones and counter-drone systems by the end of 2026, with plans to expand to anti-ballistic missiles by 2028.
How much financial support is being provided for drones?
A further €1 billion has been disbursed for drone procurement, part of a larger €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan. A €10 billion plan has also been approved to finance additional drones, missiles, and fighter aircraft.
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