European Commission approves €6.1 billion in defence procurement for Ukraine

Brussels, Belgium. The European Commission approved €6.1 billion in additional defence procurement for Ukraine on August 24, the country’s Independence Day. The funding will support purchases of air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radar equipment.

European support

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the decision showed that European support for Ukraine remained strong and practical.

Related: Ship Attacks Near Romania and Bulgaria Test NATO’s Black Sea Defences

RelatedShip Attacks Near Romania and Bulgaria Test NATO’s Black Sea Defences

She said that as Russia increases its attacks, Europe is expanding assistance to help Ukraine protect its population and defend its airspace.

Ukraine Support Loan

The funding is part of the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan and comes as Russia has intensified its use of ballistic missiles and drones.

Ukraine recorded 376 missile attacks in July, underlining the need to strengthen its defensive capabilities.

The latest approval brings the total value of procurement plans approved under the programme to €16 billion. Of that amount, €8.35 billion has already been distributed to support the timely delivery of essential military equipment.

Defence production and deliveries

Most of the newly funded equipment will be purchased from European Union defence manufacturers.

In response to Russia’s increased deployment of ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones, the Commission called on EU countries and industries to accelerate deliveries by using existing stockpiles, adjusting current orders and increasing production capacity.

Funding allocations

The Commission said the speed of obtaining essential defence equipment remains crucial to Ukraine’s ability to protect itself.

Under the Ukraine Support Loan, €30 billion is allocated for budgetary assistance and €60 billion for defence during 2026 and 2027. Of the defence funding, €28.3 billion is planned for 2026 to strengthen Ukraine’s domestic defence industry and expand its capacity to produce critical military equipment.