Key outcomes of the 25th Ramstein-format meeting: U.S weapons procurement and financial support for the defense industry

The Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, participated in a regular meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (Ramstein format). 

The head of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence called on international partners and allies to maintain their support, with particular emphasis on the procurement of U.S. weapons for Ukraine. 

“The Patriot air defense systems and their interceptor missiles are vital to the protection of Ukrainian cities,” Denys Shmyhal emphasized.

He further noted that Ukraine requires $6 billion to cover this year’s defense procurement gap. 

“This will enable us to produce more FPV drones, additional interceptor drones to counter Shahed loitering munitions, and more long-range weaponry,” emphasized Ukraine’s Minister of Defence.

In turn, the United States is initiating a new mechanism in cooperation with NATO, allowing European countries to procure American weaponry for Ukraine. European partners have already expressed their readiness to contribute funding. 

The meeting addressed the specific operational framework of the initiative. Germany committed to supplying Ukraine with five Patriot air defense systems, which are expected to be delivered soon. 

Additionally, Germany will supply over 200,000 rounds for Gepard systems and fund the procurement of Ukrainian long-range drones.

Other key decisions made by the partners include: 

• Canada will continue supporting Ukraine’s defense industry financially through the ‘Danish model’ and allocates CAD 20 million for the maintenance of Ukrainian tanks.
• The Netherlands provides €200 million for interceptor drones and €125 million for the maintenance of F-16 aircraft.
• Norway allocated a total of €1 billion in 2025 for drone procurement, including €400 million for procurement from Ukraine’s defense industry.
• Sweden is preparing a new assistance package comprising air defense systems, artillery, and military equipment.

Denys Shmyhal further highlighted Ukraine’s reliance on continued support in 2026. The SAFE credit program is a vital funding source for the upcoming year, and it is essential to secure Ukraine’s participation in this initiative. 

“At the same time, we continue advancing the ‘Building with Ukraine’ initiative to localize Ukrainian companies in partner countries, and will further expand joint defense industry projects,” said the Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

The Minister underscored the critical importance of continuing pressure on russia by enforcing sanctions against its economy.

Participants in the regular meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (Ramstein format) included NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus Grynkewich, and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.

The Ukrainian delegation included Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Chief of the General Staff Major General Andrii Hnatov, Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, First Deputy Minister of Defence Sergiy Boyev, and other representatives of the security and defense sector.

In conclusion, the Ukrainian delegation expressed gratitude to each nation supporting Ukraine within the framework of the Ramstein format. Special appreciation was extended to the United States as the initiator of the platform in April 2022, and to the United Kingdom and Germany for their continued leadership within the Contact Group.