Europe and Ukraine Partner to Boost Drone Production Amid War
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a new agreement in Kyiv to significantly expand joint production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones. The deal, announced during Ukraine's Statehood Day ceremony at St. Michael's Square, aims to combine Europe's industrial manufacturing capabilities with Ukraine's operational and technological experience gained over more than four years of conflict with Russia.
Zelensky noted that Ukraine currently produces about 10 million drones annually and aims to double this output to 20 million through cooperation with the European Union. He emphasized that extensive drone use has fundamentally changed the battlefield, allowing Ukraine to offset manpower disadvantages against the Russian military and conduct long-range strikes on Russian energy and refinery facilities.
Funding for the initiative will come from two main EU sources: a €90 billion aid loan to Ukraine and approximately €10 billion available under the EU's SAFE defense program. While some EU countries have previously signed bilateral military technology agreements with Ukraine, this new pact opens cooperation to all 27 EU member states.
Von der Leyen highlighted Europe's extensive industrial and technological production capacity and secure manufacturing sites, which can accelerate drone production, while acknowledging Europe's lack of battlefield experience that Ukraine possesses. A key element of the agreement allows drones to be produced and temporarily stored within EU countries to protect manufacturing lines from Russian attacks. Storage will be limited to two to three months due to rapid technological advancements, after which drones will be transferred to Ukraine or EU states, especially those in the eastern region seeking to strengthen their defenses.
The European Commission also indicated plans to potentially expand cooperation to joint production of ballistic and anti-missile systems in the future, though these plans are still in development. Von der Leyen concluded by stressing the importance of investing in Ukraine, Europe, and their shared security and future.
