The European Union signed onto a joint weapons production deal with Ukraine on July 15, solidifying the region’s support for the country’s defense in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who was in Ukraine to attend the country’s Statehood Day, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the new EU–Ukraine Defense Industrial Partnership in Kyiv.
“We will bring together the best of our drone ecosystems underpinned by a drone deal,” von der Leyen said.
Von der Leyen reiterated her support for Zelenskyy and the European Union’s commitment to Ukraine against Russia in its four-year conflict.
“The EU stands with the brave people of Ukraine,” von der Leyen said during a press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday. “Every strike only strengthens your people’s determination to be free. And our resolve to support you and Ukraine any way we can, for as long as needed.”
The “drone deal” will combine drone technology developed in Europe and Ukraine.
“We will not only develop the next generation drones and counter-drone systems. ... We will manufacture them faster than ever before,” von der Leyen posted on X. “Ukrainian ingenuity, tested every day on the battlefield. And EU industrial strength, able to produce at speed and at scale. We will reproduce the same with missiles.”
The EU and Ukraine signed a letter of intent to establish joint drone and anti-drone production by the end of 2026 and joint anti-ballistic missile production by 2028. The pact also establishes support for defense manufacturing.
Zelenskyy called the agreement a “truly historic step” in relations with the EU. He also expects financial support from Europe for its anti-ballistic missile program, which could take Ukraine closer to producing missiles for Patriot systems.
“For the first time, Ukraine is moving closer to the possibility of producing missiles for Patriot systems and could become the third country in history to secure such an agreement and such a privilege,” Zelenskyy said on X.
The leaders also discussed energy needs for the upcoming winter months.
Ukraine increased its production capacity for making interceptor drones by 800 percent this year and now has 20 companies working in the field, according to its national security and defense council.
Ukraine mass produces interceptor drones to counter Russian Shaheds, which costs far less than using air defense missiles.
Zelenskyy has traveled around the world seeking partners for Ukraine’s drone program since developing production.
Ukraine signed 10-year drone deal agreements with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar this year as part of the country’s plan against attacks on critical and civilian infrastructure.
The EU agreement is part of Zelenskyy’s overall strategic plan for continued defense against Russia.
“We don’t need the help in drone defense,” Trump said at the time. “We know about drones more than anybody. We have the best drones in the world, actually.”
