Air defence and drones: Evgeniy Khmara briefs E5 on Ukraine’s critical support priorities
Minister of Defence of Ukraine Evgeniy Khmara addressed representatives of the defence ministries of the European Group of Five (E5) countries — Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Poland, and Italy. The key priorities are strengthening air defence now and ensuring timely funding for the production of Ukrainian unmanned systems.
EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, and NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska also took part in the meeting.
Evgeniy Khmara stressed that Ukraine needs decisions that strengthen its defence now while also enabling defence planning for 2027.
Patriot and IRIS-T interceptor missiles from existing stocks
The first critical priority is air defence.
Ukraine already has contracts in place for future deliveries of interceptor missiles and is proposing an exchange mechanism to its partners: to provide Ukraine with some missiles from existing stocks now in exchange for future deliveries scheduled to arrive later.
The Minister called on partners to consider transferring 10% of their existing stocks of the relevant interceptor missiles to Ukraine, including Patriot and IRIS-T missiles that Ukraine is procuring using the EU loan. This would quickly strengthen the protection of Ukrainian cities and set an example for other partners.
Evgeniy Khmara also emphasised the critical need for man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS) to counter jet-powered drones. Ukraine expects support both through funding for new procurements and through transfers of systems from partners’ existing stocks.
Funding for drone production in 2027
Unmanned systems are the second priority.
Ukrainian manufacturers have the capacity to double drone production in 2027. This requires timely funding.
We propose not merely increasing procurement, but scaling up the joint production of Ukrainian drones in other countries. This would enable higher production and provide Ukraine with the drones it needs. It would also strengthen our partners’ defence capabilities.
The Minister emphasised that planning for support in 2027 must begin now. It should reflect Ukraine’s actual wartime needs, as the role of unmanned systems continues to grow.
The Minister stressed that Ukraine seeks a just and lasting peace. Achieving peace requires strength, readiness to defend, and decisions taken at the right time. The objective is to ensure Ukraine has the necessary weapons when needed.
