EU supports Ukraine in drone procurement
After former Hungarian President Viktor Orbán had blocked the disbursement of a 90-billion-euro EU aid loan for Ukraine for months, the path was cleared following the change of government in Budapest in mid-April. A total of 6 billion euros is to be advanced for drone procurement. An initial payment of 3.9 billion has now been released by the European Union, as confirmed by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Thanks to the equally intensive and innovative use of uncrewed systems, Ukraine has managed to withstand Russia’s brutal assaults for more than four years. To ensure that continues, the country under attack’s armed forces must be adequately supplied with new drones. Accordingly, extensive efforts are underway to strengthen the Ukrainian industry and create production capacity in collaboration with European partners. The „Build with Ukraine“ initiative is a good example of how high a priority this issue is in Kyiv. Brussels has also recognized that unmanned systems may be key to Ukraine’s survival as an independent state.
Expansion of the Ukrainian military industry
„Ukraine’s ingenuity is at the heart of its success in resisting Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ingenuity we want to support,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission, on June 30, 2026. „Today, we are releasing a first tranche of 3.9 billion euros for advanced drone technology to strengthen Ukraine’s defense. And more will follow. These investments will help Ukraine protect its citizens, defend its sovereignty, and reinforce Europe’s security. Europe stands firmly with Ukraine for as long it takes to achieve a just and lasting peace.”
In addition to financial aid for maintaining the state community, two-thirds of the support loan is intended to enable the procurement of armaments and promote the expansion of the Ukrainian military industry. The now-provided 3.9 billion euros is an initial payment toward the first tranche of about 6 billion euros for the procurement of drones, and the funds may also be used to purchase ammunition, cruise missiles, or air defense systems if necessary.
Image: EU Commission / Audiovisual Service
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