Patriot air defence missiles and drones: Ukraine and Germany agree on €4bn defence package

Ukraine and Germany have agreed on a €4 billion defence cooperation package that provides for the supply of hundreds of missiles for Patriot air defence systems, the development of long-range capabilities and joint drone production.

Source: Ukraine's Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov following talks with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius

Quote from Fedorov: "I have held talks with Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. We have agreed on a package of defence arrangements worth a total of €4 billion – to strengthen air defence, develop long-range capabilities and jointly produce drones."

Details: Fedorov said Ukraine and Germany have signed three agreements as a result of the negotiations.

"Germany will finance a contract for several hundred Patriot missiles – this will significantly strengthen the protection of Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. The package also includes the delivery of 36 IRIS-T launchers, which will reinforce the multi-layered air defence system," Fedorov noted.

In addition, the parties agreed on €300 million in investments to develop long-range capabilities, which will help expand the production of Ukrainian weaponry.

Under the Build with Ukraine initiative, the launch of joint production of AI-powered mid-range drones is also envisaged.

"The defence forces will receive 5,000 drones in the first stage," Fedorov added.

He said the cooperation is aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities and Europe's security.

Background: Earlier, it was reported that Belgium and Spain will each allocate €1 billion in defence aid to Ukraine this year. Meanwhile, Belgium has confirmed that it intends to provide additional F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv.

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