European Commission approves €6.1bn in defence procurement for Ukraine
The European Commission approved new defence procurement for Ukraine worth €6.1 billion on 24 August as part of the EU's €90 billion loan. The funds will be used for air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars.
Source: European Commission's press service on 24 August, as reported by European Pravda
Details: The approval of the new procurement by the European Commission complements previously approved plans worth €16 billion, of which €8.35 billion has already been allocated to Ukraine under the defence component of the €90 billion support package.
Quote from Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission: "On Ukraine's Independence Day, Europe shows our support is unfaltering and concrete. Today, we have approved €6.1 billion for the air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars that Ukraine urgently needs. As Russia intensifies its attacks, we are stepping up to help Ukraine protect its people and defend its skies. Europe stands with Ukraine and we will deliver what it needs, when it needs it."
More details: Most of the procurement will be carried out from EU defence companies. Given Russia's increased use of ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones, the European Commission stressed the need to significantly increase supplies from the EU by drawing down stockpiles, reprioritising orders and ramping up production.
Background:
- It was reported earlier that by the end of 2026, the European Union is expected to pay Ukraine about €20 billion, with new tranches potentially arriving in the coming weeks.
- On 30 July, the European Commission transferred another €3.47 billion to Ukraine under the defence component of the €90 billion loan.
- On 30 July, the Council of the European Union approved amendments to the Ukraine Facility, which will allow Ukraine to receive €8.3 billion in 2026 to cover budget needs.
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