Ukraine and EU make first step toward major Drone Deal
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
Ukraine and the European Union have launched a new defense partnership that will serve as the foundation for the future Drone Deal and could later expand to missiles and air defense systems, according to an RBC-Ukraine correspondent.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed a Letter of Intent on a strategic industrial partnership that will serve as the basis for a future defense agreement.
According to Zelenskyy, the document marks a historic step in relations between Ukraine and the EU.
"We have done a lot to integrate our defense capabilities and production with those of Europe. Today, we also have the first document laying the groundwork for the Drone Deal – a major defense agreement between Ukraine and the European Union," the President said.
He also said Ukraine expects financial support from the EU for its anti-ballistic missile program, which was launched in France on July 13.
From drones to missiles and air defense
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the new partnership will include joint ventures, technology transfers, knowledge sharing, and investment in Ukraine's defense industry.
"We will bring together the best of our drone ecosystems underpinned by a drone deal," she said.
According to von der Leyen, Ukraine has unique battlefield experience using advanced technologies, while the European Union has the capacity to rapidly scale up production.
She added that once the Drone Deal is finalized, the EU will consider using the same model for other defense products, including missiles and air defense systems.
The two sides also plan to deepen the integration of their defense industries, harmonize standards, remove market barriers, and strengthen supply chains for critical defense components.
EU allocates another €1 billion to Ukraine
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also announced a new package of military assistance.
She said the European Union has allocated an additional €1 billion to Ukraine for drone purchases under the Ukraine Support Loan for 2026–2027.
Von der Leyen noted that on June 30, the EU had already allocated €4 billion for drone procurement. It has also recently approved plans to provide another €10 billion to purchase drones, missiles, and fighter jets.
The European Commission chief concluded that this is just the beginning.
As previously reported, on July 13, Ukraine and nine European countries launched an anti-ballistic missile coalition during a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris.
The coalition will focus on strengthening missile defense, developing new ballistic missile interceptors, and improving the protection of European airspace.
