The first tranche of the European support package will be aimed at launching joint capacities for the production of unmanned systems. Ukraine and the European Union have already agreed on a financing schedule and have begun work on a strategic agreement, the Drone Deal, which is to unite the defense-industrial complexes.
The first tranche of the European support package will be aimed at launching joint capacities for the production of unmanned systems. Ukraine and the European Union have already agreed on a financing schedule and have begun work on a strategic agreement, the Drone Deal, which is to unite the defense-industrial complexes.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on the results of negotiations with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
According to him, financial assistance from the EU will allow creating the necessary security infrastructure and increasing the production of drones directly within the framework of joint cooperation. The President has already instructed the Chief of the General Staff, Andriy Gnatov, and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov, to prepare a detailed plan for the implementation of these agreements.
«We offer a contribution to the defense of Europe — our Drone Deals. They unite countries. We need reliable protection in Europe against drones and any attacks — potential attacks — in the sky, at sea, and on land,» Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
The President emphasized that the goal of the initiative is to ensure Europe’s ability to independently produce everything necessary to protect against ballistic strikes and other types of weapons. The Drone Deal concept involves not only financing, but also joint technological developments, and is important for achieving full technological independence of the continent.
Recall that on April 23, the EU Council adopted amendments to the long-term budget of the European Union, which make it possible to finalize the provision of an EU loan to Ukraine in the amount of EUR 90 billion in 2026–27. The target distribution of payments was agreed: EUR 30 billion for budget support and EUR 60 billion for military support.
Earlier, the Ministry of Defense announced that it was purchasing 8,000 Octopus interceptor drones from four Ukrainian manufacturers. In total, almost three dozen domestic companies have joined the production.
