Ukraine is strengthening cooperation with the EU in the defense-industrial sector, particularly regarding the launch of joint projects in drones, air defense, and long-range capabilities, and is also expecting the unblocking of a €90 billion loan.
This was reported on Facebook by Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
“I held a meeting with EU Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius and EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová. The focus of our work is expanding funding and launching joint projects in drones, air defense, and long-range capabilities,” he noted.
According to the minister, the priority is flexible financing that will allow resources to be quickly allocated in line with the War Plan—particularly for the production of drones, counter-drone systems, and the development of deep strike capabilities.
“It is also critically important to unblock the €90 billion EU loan—this will make it possible to scale up production and more rapidly meet the needs of the front,” Fedorov added.
He also said that the parties discussed integrating Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex into the European defense ecosystem. In particular, within the EDIP framework, joint production of drones, air defense systems, and strike capabilities is planned, along with testing new technologies in combat conditions and scaling up effective solutions.
“€260 million under the USI will be directed toward the recovery, modernization, and integration of Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex into the European ecosystem,” the minister emphasized.
Fedorov also noted that key priorities include the development of anti-ballistic solutions, particularly the creation of missiles to intercept ballistic targets, as well as attracting investment to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
