Four years of the Ramstein format: over $150 billion in assistance and sustained strengthening of Ukraine’s defense

On 26 April, Ukraine marks the fourth anniversary of the Ramstein format — a unique international coalition that has united over 50 countries and delivered more than $150 billion in military assistance to enhance Ukraine’s defense.

On 26 April 2022, the first meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format) was held. The format takes its name “Ramstein” from the location of the first meeting — a U.S. air base in Germany.

Over the course of four years, the format has evolved into a central platform for coordinating decisions on international military assistance to Ukraine. As a result, Ukrainian forces have acquired critical capabilities necessary to counter russian aggression.

Systemic support for the frontline

It is within the framework of agreements reached through the Ramstein format that Ukraine has received a wide range of weaponry, including:

• NASAMS, PATRIOT, and IRIS-T air defense systems;
• Leopard and Abrams tanks;
• HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems;
• PzH 2000 self-propelled artillery systems;
• M113 armored personnel carriers;
• F-16 and Mirage 2000 aircraft.

Under the Ramstein format, nine Capability Coalitions have been established, each responsible for developing key capability areas:

• 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;
• The Demining Capability Coalition;
• The Electronic Warfare (EW) Coalition.

The Coalitions address immediate needs and support the long-term development of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, while also coordinating international assistance across their respective areas.

The PURL mechanism

One of the key decisions was the introduction of the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism. It has already enabled the mobilization of approximately $5 billion for the procurement of U.S.-made weapons and their rapid delivery.

The mechanism was established in cooperation with NATO and the United States and provides for the financing of U.S.-made weapons deliveries through voluntary partner contributions. Coordination of requirements and deliveries is conducted through existing NATO instruments, including NSATU.

Adapting to the realities of war

The Ramstein format continuously adapts to changes on the battlefield. Today, Ukraine, together with its partners, is focusing on a three-domain approach to warfare: air, land, and the economy.

Currently, the efforts of all partners are focused on three key priorities:

• strengthening air defense;

• scaling up the production of Ukrainian drones and missiles;

• ensuring the supply of long-range artillery ammunition and other types of ammunition.

Overall, countries participating in the Contact Group, in cooperation with the EU, have mobilized over $5.7 billion to procure Ukrainian drones for Ukraine’s defense. It is within the Contact Group that Ukraine can align areas of cooperation with partners to ensure the most effective support on the battlefield.

Transitioning from assistance to partnership

The Contact Group is also evolving into a platform for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Ukraine acts not only as a recipient of assistance, but also as a contributor to global security. Within the Ramstein framework, Ukraine presents its own solutions and invites partners to engage in joint projects.

This opens access to Ukrainian technologies and systems that have demonstrated effectiveness in war, while enabling partners to prepare their armed forces for modern conflicts.