Innovation for the front line, air defence missiles and the development of drone assault units: new support for Ukraine following the 33rd Ramstein-format meeting
As a result of the meetings, Ukraine secured confirmation of new contributions to innovative defence areas, including the development of drone assault units.
Overall, following the Ramstein-format meeting, partners confirmed new contributions, including:
- $2.5 billion for Ukrainian drones;
- over $500 million for the PURL programme;
- $2 billion for strengthening air defence.
Funding will also be directed towards artillery ammunition, military training, the development of maritime capabilities and other areas of defence support.
Consequently, the total value of newly confirmed assistance packages exceeds $6 billion.
In Brussels, Ukraine’s Minister of Defence Mykhailo Fedorov held a series of bilateral meetings with partners to discuss concrete cooperation projects aimed at strengthening the defence capabilities of Ukraine and its allies.
In talks with the UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey, the sides discussed implementation of the cooperation roadmap under the One Hundred Year Partnership, as well as timelines and volumes for the delivery of Octopus interceptors.
During a meeting with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, discussions focused on contributions to strengthening drone assault units, developing mid-strike capabilities, and enhancing counter-drone efforts.
Discussions also covered opportunities to replace Mavic drones with Ukrainian solutions, in cooperation with partners. Another key topic of the dialogue was cooperation under the “Patriot for Ukraine” initiative.
Ukraine’s Minister of Defence also held a meeting with Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich. The sides discussed the PURL programme as a key mechanism for supplying Ukraine with missiles to counter ballistic threats.
At the Ramstein-format meeting, Ukraine reached agreements with several European partners on the urgent delivery of Patriot missiles from their existing stocks. Final quantities will be confirmed once internal approval procedures are completed in partner countries.
Negotiations also took place with Belgium’s Minister of Defence Theo Francken, Latvia’s Minister for Defence Andris Sprūds, Norway’s Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik, Australia’s Minister for Defence Richard Marles, and Canada’s Minister of National Defence David McGuinty.
Across all meetings, the primary focus was assistance priorities for Ukraine, particularly strengthening air defence.
The sides discussed prospective areas of cooperation, including:
- exploring cost-effective solutions to counter russian drones;
- supplying long-range artillery;
- launching joint production projects;
- securing additional partner contributions to the PURL programme.
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine expresses gratitude to the countries participating in the Ramstein format for their solidarity, trust and commitment to further developing security cooperation.
Ukraine continues to scale one of the world’s most dynamic defence tech sectors and stands ready to share combat experience and effective solutions with partners.