Ukraine aligns defence cooperation priorities with Belgium and Spain ahead of the Ramstein-format meeting
Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, agreed on key areas of defence cooperation with Belgium and Spain ahead of the Ramstein-format meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. This includes strengthening air defence, developing drone and long-range strike capabilities, and advancing joint innovation projects.
€1 billion in assistance from Belgium: key priorities
During talks with Belgium’s Minister of Defence, Theo Francken, the parties discussed the breakdown of the €1 billion in defence assistance that Belgium is providing to Ukraine this year.
Key areas of cooperation:
- strengthening of air defence;
- supply of long-range munitions under the ‘Czech initiative’;
- scaling up of drone capabilities;
- support for the IT Coalition and the Maritime Capability Coalition.
Particular attention during the talks was given to the development of the Air Force Coalition. Belgium reaffirmed its intention to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine this year and to ensure the continued supply of spare parts for aircraft already in service.
The parties also discussed options for continuing support under the PURL mechanism.
Frontline situation and progress in implementing the War Plan
Mykhailo Fedorov briefed Theo Francken on the situation on the frontline and the results of implementing the War Plan.
In recent months, Ukraine has managed to:
- contain enemy advances on the ground and liberate territories;
- significantly increase the effectiveness of intercepting missiles and drones;
- intensify strikes against russia’s economy.
The Ministry of Defence continues to implement new technological solutions to improve the effectiveness of the Defence Forces.
Joint projects and new formats of cooperation
The parties discussed the potential establishment of a Brave–Belgium programme within the Brave1 cluster, envisaging grant support for defence companies.
Mykhailo Fedorov thanked Belgium for its consistent support and reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness to develop cooperation based on a win-win partnership.
Support from Spain: armoured vehicles, air defence and joint production
During talks with Spain’s Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, Mykhailo Fedorov expressed gratitude for the allocation of €1 billion in military support this year, as well as for assistance in several key areas: supply of missiles for air defence systems, transfer of armoured vehicles, and increased ammunition production for Ukraine.
The parties also discussed progress in implementing joint weapons production projects.
Ukraine’s Minister of Defence outlined priorities for further cooperation:
- support for drone production;
- strengthening of air defence;
- supply of extended-range munitions.
Defence industrial cooperation with Spain
Particular attention was given to the development of cooperation between defence industries, in particular within the European SAFE mechanism. Ukraine stands ready to provide a list of manufacturers that could establish cooperation with Spanish companies.
Ukraine also offered the possibility of testing Spanish unmanned systems in combat conditions.
Mykhailo Fedorov invited Margarita Robles to visit Ukraine in the spring to explore the Armed Forces of Ukraine's technological capabilities.