Air defence priorities and joint projects: Ukraine and Spain scale up cooperation

The Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov, met with the Minister of Defence of Spain, Margarita Robles. The parties agreed on key areas of cooperation focused on enhancing the defence capabilities of both countries, particularly in air defence.

The Ukrainian side thanked Spain for its decision to allocate €1 billion in assistance in 2026. During the meeting, the parties discussed the most effective use of these resources in accordance with Ukraine’s priorities.

Particular importance was also given to the aid package announced during the visit, comprising VAMTAC armoured vehicles and a batch of 155 mm artillery shells.

Cooperation priorities

The Ukrainian delegation emphasised the importance of focusing support on the following key areas:

• strengthening air defence;
• ensuring the supply of long-range artillery ammunition;
• scaling up the production of Ukrainian drones.

During the meeting, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine for European Integration Sergiy Boyev outlined Ukraine’s strategy, focused on increasing enemy losses, targeting the enemy’s economic potential, and expanding domestic defence production.

Winter preparedness and air defence

The parties placed particular emphasis on strengthening air defence.

The winter of 2025–2026 was the most challenging winter since the onset of the full-scale war, as russia significantly intensified its attacks, including a twofold increase in the use of ballistic missiles and strike drones.

The Ukrainian side expressed gratitude to Spain for strengthening air defence, particularly for its contributions to the PURL (Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List) mechanism and for supporting the provision of Patriot missiles. This was of critical importance for protecting Ukraine’s skies and infrastructure.

The parties also discussed the integration of various types of missiles into existing air defence systems and enhancing their effectiveness.

Joint projects and cooperation

The development of air defence capabilities was identified as a distinct area of cooperation. Ukraine is modernising systems that are no longer in production and plans to deepen strategic cooperation with Spain to enhance its capabilities.

The parties also discussed Spain’s role in a joint European project to develop anti-ballistic solutions.

Ukraine expects to further deepen cooperation with Spain to strengthen defence capabilities and deliver on the priorities of the War Plan.