'Real defense tool': Ukraine and Portugal to produce naval drones, - Zelenskyy
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine and Portugal will jointly produce naval drones. The corresponding statement was signed on Saturday, December 20, according to the president's Telegram.
"Today, there is a joint statement from Ukraine and Portugal on establishing a partnership for the production of naval drones. It was signed together with the Prime Minister of Portugal, who is visiting Ukraine for the first time. This is one of the most promising directions in defense work at the moment. It is important that there are results," the statement reads.
Zelenskyy emphasized that all parts of Europe must have sufficient strength to counter any threats, and that modern drones are a real defense tool.
The president also expressed gratitude to Portugal for its contribution to the PURL program, which enables the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine.
He further noted that Portugal supported Europe’s joint decision on a financial security guarantee for Ukraine for the coming years, pointing out that €90 billion for Ukraine is "very significant."
"Thank you to Luís Montenegro for this visit. Thank you to Portugal for respect and support for the Ukrainian community. I also want to highlight their contribution to the restoration of our educational infrastructure — Ukrainian schools in Chernihiv and Cherkasy. Thank you, Portugal," concluded the president of Ukraine.
Drone production
Recall that at the end of July, Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine plans to launch international drone production for the war. At that time, the country had agreed on a joint production line with Denmark.
It is also worth noting that in October 2025, US President Donald Trump expressed interest in Ukrainian drones, stating that Washington wants to purchase them.
In the same month, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov reported that a Ukrainian delegation from the council, together with the Ministry of Defense, visited the United States. The parties discussed the purchase of Ukrainian drones and cooperation in the security sector.
We also reported that Ukraine and the US are preparing an agreement on the transfer of unmanned vehicle production technologies, which have already been tested in combat conditions.
Moreover, just yesterday, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense stated that US military forces officially tested naval drones for the first time and are considering opportunities for a strategic partnership with Ukraine.
