Drone coalition: Partners to allocate €1.8 billion to bolster Ukraine’s defense
Photo: Partners will allocate aid for drones for Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach / RBC-Ukraine)
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that countries participating in the International Drone Coalition will allocate €1.8 billion this year to supply drones to Ukraine's Armed Forces.
According to Umerov, the decision was confirmed by coalition partners from Latvia, which, alongside the United Kingdom, leads this initiative.
“This decision will allow Ukraine to strengthen its technological advantage on the battlefield and destroy the enemy more effectively,” the minister stated.
On October 31, the coalition’s steering group held its first meeting in Riga. The coalition brings together 17 countries: Australia, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand, Poland, France, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Ukraine.
Latvia will contribute €20 million to the coalition this year, with at least €10 million allocated for domestic procurement and €5 million for joint purchases under the coalition framework.
Additionally, Umerov announced that Latvia has signed an agreement with Ukraine to train Ukrainian servicemembers in drone piloting programs.
“Drones are the weapons of the future, already helping Ukraine defend itself and save the lives of our defenders. I thank our partners for their contribution to Ukraine's victory!” Umerov emphasized.
The drone coalition
Earlier this year, Ukraine's allies formed the Drone Coalition to supply drones to the Ukrainian military to counter Russian aggression. Nearly 20 countries have joined the initiative.
The coalition is co-led by Latvia and the United Kingdom. Latvia also provides testing grounds and industrial facilities to develop and refine drone technology continuously.
The United Kingdom has announced a competition for the development and procurement of first-person view (FPV) drones, and 265 applications have already been received.
Partner countries in the coalition have established a joint fund to finance the procurement of drones for Ukraine's defenders.
