A snapshot of ‘Ramstein’ in figures: 25 meetings and over $145 billion in aid to Ukraine

On January 9, the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, chaired by the US Secretary of Defense, took place at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. 

The Ukraine Defense Contact Group meetings were named after Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where the first meeting was held. Each of these meetings yielded tangible results and marked another significant step in bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Over nearly three years of the Ramstein format, the allies have committed military aid totaling more than $145 billion. This enabled the Ukrainian military to receive critically necessary modern air defense systems, F-16 aircraft, tanks, armored vehicles, artillery shells, and other key resources to repel russian aggression.

With over 50 countries now involved, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group has become a crucial platform for coordinating military aid. 

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine provides an overview of the evolution of the Ramstein format and the key agreements made during the meetings.

Ramstein 1. The historic coalition of 40 countries representing the free world

April 22, 2022, Ramstein Air Base in Germany

• Representatives from 40 nations gathered in Germany, where they decided to establish the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and hold monthly meetings to coordinate further steps.
• Over 30 countries have committed to allocating more than $5 billion. 

Ramstein 2. Harpoon, helicopters, tanks

May 23, 2022, online

• For the first time, Ukraine received Harpoon missile launchers from Denmark to bolster its coastal defense, while Czechia provided fire support helicopters, tanks, and missile systems.
• An agreement was reached to increase the supply of 155-mm artillery shells.
• Ministers from Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ireland, and Colombia became part of the group for the first time. 

Ramstein 3. M 270 and HIMARS 

June 15, 2022, NATO Headquarters in Brussels

• Ukraine has received long-range M270 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) along with their lighter M142 HIMARS variant.
• The supply of Harpoon missile launchers, artillery systems and shells, as well as helicopters, was continued.
• Defense ministers from nearly 50 countries, including Ecuador, Moldova, and Georgia, as well as representatives from NATO and EU states, participated in the meeting.  

Ramstein 4. New commitments to the defense of land, airspace, and maritime areas

July 20, 2022, online

• Due to security considerations, the details of the agreements were not announced; however, the meeting, in general, led to 'new commitments from partners, covering land, maritime, and air domains.’
• Several countries have committed not only to supplying arms but also to providing training and education for Ukrainian military personnel in their operation. 
• Out of the 50 countries participating in the Ramstein, 30 have announced their commitment to supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine. 

Ramstein 5. Three-tier air defense for Ukraine 

September 8, 2022, Ramstein Air Base in Germany

• Key priorities involved the development of a three-tier air and missile defense system and the enhancement of training for the Ukrainian military.
• The United States announced a long-term support strategy and a new security aid package, while NATO provided winter gear. 
• Germany and the Netherlands facilitated demining training for the Ukrainian military. 
• Norway delivered AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. 

Ramstein 6. Air defense, PzH 2000, and MARS II

October 12, 2022, NATO Headquarters in Brussels

• The United States declared the provision of air defense systems, and Germany committed to supplying PzH 2000 self-propelled artillery systems along with MARS II multiple launch rocket systems. 
• The Netherlands provided missiles for air defense systems valued at $15 million. 
• Canada has announced an additional aid package valued at $47 million. The package included artillery shells, winter equipment and uniforms, cameras for drones, and satellite communication equipment. 

Ramstein 7. The Hawk air defense systems and winterization initiatives

November 16, 2022, online

• Sweden has committed to providing Ukraine with air defense systems. 
• Spain sent to Ukraine two additional Hawk launchers and missiles for them. 
• As one of the largest suppliers of winter gear, Canada has committed to provide a new tranche of aid. 
• Germany has committed to continuing the provision of air defense systems, artillery, and MLRS ammunition. 
• Greece has committed to providing 155-millimeter artillery shells. 
• Poland has committed to supplying additional artillery and anti-tank weapons, along with short-range air defense systems. 

Ramstein 8. Patriot 

January 20, 2023, Ramstein Air Base in Germany

• Germany, the United States, and the Netherlands have agreed to provide Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, with Canada supplying NASAMS and ammunition.
• The United States allocated $2.5 billion, while Germany contributed $1 billion.
• Ukraine has actively sought the transfer of advanced Western tanks, such as the American M1 Abrams and the German Leopard 2. 

Ramstein 9. SAMP/T

February 14, 2023, NATO Headquarters in Brussels

• France and Italy have initiated the process of providing the SAMP/T air defense system.
• Germany, Canada, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands have initiated efforts to transfer Leopard tanks.
• Another priority was to boost the operational tempo of the partners' defense sectors.
• Ukraine was promised additional air defense systems, tanks, artillery, shells, as well as expanded training for military personnel. 

Ramstein 10. Formation of an ‘armored hammer’

March 15, 2023, online

• Sweden delivered Leopard tanks and air defense system components.
• Norway collaborated with the United States to facilitate the transfer of two NASAMS air defense systems. 
• The Netherlands initiated new contracts to secure the delivery of weapons to Ukraine. 
• Slovenia announced a contribution aimed at addressing several of Ukraine's priority needs, including armored vehicles. 
• Canada began transferring additional Leopard 2 tanks and announced a new military aid package for Ukraine. The package included, among other items, artillery shells, and surface-to-air missiles.
• The International Coalition agreed to support Ukraine with tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and other armored vehicles, alongside training programs for the Ukrainian military on new types of weaponry. 

Ramstein 11. Training on Abrams tanks

April 21, 2023, Ramstein Air Base in Germany

• A decision was made to commence training Ukrainian military personnel on Abrams M1A1 SA tanks.
• The United States announced a new military aid package worth $325 million. 
• With a contribution of $29 million to the Comprehensive Aid Package Trust Fund, Canada has also supplied sniper rifles and radios for Leopard 2 tank operations.
• An agreement was signed to establish a center in Poland for the maintenance and repair of Leopard 2 tanks, used as main battle tanks by Ukraine. 

Ramstein 12. Training on F-16 fighter jets

May 25, 2023, online

• An agreement was reached to provide training for Ukrainian pilots on 4th-generation fighter aircraft, including the F-16 fighter jets.
• A decision was made to establish a new service center for Leopard tanks.
• By May 2023, countries involved in the Ramstein initiative had committed $65 billion in military aid to Ukraine.  

Ramstein 13. CV90

June 15, 2023, NATO Headquarters in Brussels

• Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Italy, Norway, Germany, Sweden, Spain, and the Netherlands announced plans to supply air defense systems, missiles, tanks, armored vehicles, reconnaissance and strike drones, and ammunition.
• The Defence Ministers of Estonia and Luxembourg backed the initiative to establish an IT Coalition and agreed to assume a leading role in its establishment.
• A declaration was signed with Slovakia and Czechia regarding the procurement and maintenance of CV90 infantry fighting vehicles. 

Ramstein 14. Additional M113s

July 18, 2023, online

• Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg provided M113 armored personnel carriers.
• Ukrainian pilots have started training on F-16 fighter jets in Denmark and Romania. 

Ramstein 15. The IT Coalition

September 19, 2023, Ramstein Air Base in Germany

• Ukraine, Estonia, and Luxembourg have initiated the IT Coalition to develop a unified digital ecosystem for combat control and resource management within the Defence Forces.
• The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine have identified five critical clusters that need prompt attention: air defense, artillery, aviation, naval capabilities, and armored vehicles. 

Ramstein 16. The United States is the leader of the Air Force Capability Coalition

October 11, 2023, NATO Headquarters in Brussels

• The United States, alongside the Netherlands and Denmark, has assumed a leadership role in the Air Force Capability Coalition, aiding in advancing the Ukrainian Air Force.
• The United Kingdom has announced the delivery of the cutting-edge MSI-DS Terrahawk Paladin air defense system to counter drones.
• An announcement was also made regarding the establishment of Coalitions for air defense, artillery, and armored vehicles.
• The mine-sweeping teams of the Bulgarian and Romanian Navies have started clearing the Black Sea near the Bulgarian coast to facilitate Ukraine's new maritime corridor. 

Ramstein 17. Setting up the Capability Coalitions

November 22, 2023, online

• A new Coalition for ground-based air defense capabilities was announced. Germany and France assumed leadership of the Coalition. A total of 20 countries have joined.
• The leader of the IT coalition, Estonia, has contributed funding for its activities. 
• The Maritime Capability Coalition was also announced, with the UK and Norway agreeing to explore ways to reinforce security in the Black Sea. 

Ramstein 18. Deep strike

January 23, 2024, online

• The partners committed to supplying deep strike weapons capable of destroying enemy positions behind the front lines.
• It was agreed to adapt Western missiles to fit Ukraine's existing Soviet-era launch and air defense systems. 

Ramstein 19. The Integrated Air and Missile Defense Coalition

February 14, 2024, online

• The Integrated Air and Missile Defense Coalition, joined by 15 countries during the meeting, the Drone Coalition, joined by 9 countries, and the Demining Capability Coalition, joined by 15 countries, have officially commenced their work.
• Efforts have begun on the joint production of ammunition. 

Ramstein 20. The Drone Coalition is expanding

March 19, 2024, Ramstein Air Base in Germany

• Ammunition is the key topic of the meeting. Numerous countries have announced aid packages with various caliber ammunition, including 155 mm, 152 mm, 105 mm, and more.
• The inaugural meeting of the Capability Coalition Leaders Group at the level of Defence Ministers has been held.
• A number of new countries have joined the Drone Coalition, making their contributions. The Coalition has examined the potential for investment in Ukrainian drone manufacturers. 

Ramstein 21. Aid has exceeded $95 billion

April 26, 2024, online

• The United States and other members of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group have committed a total of over $95 billion in cumulative contributions since the onset of the invasion to assist Ukraine in defending against russian aggression.
• The United States has announced the provision of additional Patriot missiles for Ukraine’s air defense systems as part of an additional $6 billion (€5.6 billion) aid package. 

Ramstein 22. Additional Leopard tanks, YPR infantry fighting vehicles

May 20, 2024, online

• Spain has committed to delivering 19 additional Leopard 2A4 tanks within the year. 
• The Netherlands has committed to providing YPR infantry fighting vehicles equipped with remote weapon control stations for fire support on the battlefield. 

Ramstein 23. The Armored Vehicles and Maneuverability Coalition

June 13, 2024, NATO Headquarters in Brussels

• The meeting centered around three main topics: air defense systems, the training of Ukrainian brigades abroad, and investments in Ukraine's defense industry.
• A Letter of Intent has been signed regarding the Armored Vehicles and Maneuverability Coalition for Ukraine, with Poland, Germany, and Italy as the Coalition’s leaders. Thirteen nations have joined the Coalition. 

Ramstein 24. Strikes on russia with Western weapons

September 6, 2024, Ramstein Air Base in Germany

• The President of Ukraine emphasized the necessity of obtaining permission to deploy Western long-range weapons against military targets in russia.
• The acceleration of military aid deliveries from the already agreed-upon packages and the expansion of training missions for Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets were discussed.
• The United States has officially announced a new $250 million weapon package for Ukraine. The package comprised air defense missiles, HIMARS munitions, armored vehicles, and other weapons.
• The Maritime Capability Coalition, led by the United Kingdom and Norway, formalized its activities by signing the Coalition Charter. 

Ramstein 25. Development Strategy for the Defence Forces until 2027

January 9, 2025, Ramstein Air Base in Germany

• Approved roadmaps for the development of the Ukrainian Defence Forces by 2027, developed within the framework of eight Capability Coalitions, namely: The Air Force Coalition, the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Coalition, the Maritime Capability Coalition, the Artillery Coalition, the Armored Vehicles and Maneuverability Coalition, the IT Coalition, the Drone Coalition, and the Demining Capability Coalition.
• The United States has announced a new aid package worth $500 million, including air defense missiles, air-to-air missiles, and equipment for F-16 fighter jets. 
• Canada will provide assistance totaling CAD 440 million (including 100 million for the purchase of Ukrainian weapons under the 'Danish Model.’) 
• The United Kingdom, in cooperation with NATO allies, pledged to deliver 30,000 new drones worth £45 million. 
• Norway will allocate NOK 700 million for drone procurement. 
• Germany will deliver 6 IRIS-T air defense systems and 50 interceptor missiles for these systems in 2025.
• Iceland will fund the production of Ukrainian weapons under the ‘Danish Model’ with a contribution of EUR 2 million.