The EU and Ukraine have signed an agreement on the joint production of drones in Europe
During her visit to Kyiv, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced the signing of a cooperation agreement between the European Union and Ukraine on the production of drones.
According to von der Leyen, Ukraine has unique expertise in the development of unmanned systems and the rapid implementation of new technologies. She noted that the plan is to combine this expertise with Europe’s technological and industrial potential.
The President of the European Commission did not disclose the financial terms of the agreement or other details of its implementation.
Meanwhile, the Polish television channel TVP World reported that the project could involve a European Union investment of 10 billion euros to set up joint ventures for the production of drones in Eastern European countries. According to the channel, the funding is to be provided through the European defence loan programme SAFE.
According to TVP World, the parties also plan to establish joint production of drones and counter-drone systems as soon as possible, before the end of this year.
According to the broadcaster, the aim of the agreement is to strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities to defend against attacks by short- and medium-range drones, to increase stocks of such systems, and to station part of its drone reserves outside Ukrainian territory.
TVP World also reports that the issue of joint missile production is due to be considered in 2028.
Furthermore, according to the television channel, by 2027 Ukraine is to fully open its domestic market to European manufacturers, who will be able to participate in government contracts and tenders. At the same time, the European Union plans to open up its defence programmes to Ukrainian companies and is considering granting them special exemptions to participate on an equal footing.
Furthermore, according to TVP World, the parties have agreed to work on establishing joint supply chains for raw materials and components to overcome production constraints.
