Germany Steps Up Military Support to Ukraine with Air Defense, Missiles, and Drone Deals

“Today we once again agreed on new aid packages, primarily in air defense. This includes air defense, long-range weapons, drones, and ammunition,” he said.

Merz emphasized that the partnership benefits not only Ukraine but also Germany’s own security, noting that no other army in Europe has gained comparable combat experience in recent decades.

He also highlighted ongoing cooperation on high-tech drone production, as well as a newly reached agreement between the two countries’ defense ministries to exchange digital battlefield data—a move he described as critical for developing next-generation weapons systems.

“Another example is the agreement just signed by our defense ministers on the exchange of digital combat data for the development of new weapons systems. The importance of this agreement is hard to overestimate. The fact that we are now developing such systems in Europe together with Ukraine increases Europe’s level of independence,” Merz said.

Zelenskyy confirmed that a total of 10 agreements had been signed with Germany, including arrangements to supply PAC-2 missiles for Patriot launchers and additional missiles for IRIS-T systems.

He said the two sides also discussed expanding missile production within Europe to ensure sufficient domestic output for air defense needs.

“We must ensure capabilities where Europeans can produce everything necessary to defend Europe on European soil. Our European industrial base, technological foundation, and military-political capabilities must be strong enough to guarantee reliable protection of life in every European country under any circumstances,” Zelenskyy said.

“This includes the ability to produce anti-ballistic air defense systems in the required volumes, as well as protection against drones and any aerial threats. We have discussed this with leaders and are working toward achieving this result. Ukraine is ready to contribute.”

The Ukrainian president also proposed a bilateral “drone deal” with Germany covering joint production of various types of drones, missiles, software, and modern defense systems.

“We proposed to Germany a drone deal—a bilateral agreement covering the production of different types of drones, missiles, software, and modern defense,” Zelenskyy said, adding that both sides are already moving into practical implementation.

“Our experience can be integrated into the European security system,” he added.

Ukraine and Germany have also signed a major defense package worth €4 billion ($4.3–$4.5 billion), aimed at strengthening air defense, expanding long-range strike capabilities, and launching joint drone production, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said.

According to him, the package includes several key components. Germany will finance a contract for several hundred Patriot missiles, significantly boosting the protection of Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. The agreement also предусматривает the delivery of 36 IRIS-T launch systems, further reinforcing Ukraine’s layered air defense network.

In addition, the two sides agreed on €300 million ($354 million) in investments to expand Ukraine’s deep-strike capabilities, enabling increased domestic production of long-range weapons.

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The package also includes the launch of joint drone manufacturing under the “Build with Ukraine” initiative. The project will focus on producing mid-range strike drones incorporating artificial intelligence technologies, with an initial batch of 5,000 units planned for Ukraine’s Defense Forces.

In addition to defense agreements, the two countries signed documents covering broader cooperation. These included a defense ministry agreement between German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, as well as a declaration of intent on supporting industrial recovery and resilience between the two countries’ economic ministries.

The agreements were signed in Berlin in the presence of Zelenskyy and Merz, underscoring a deepening partnership that extends beyond immediate military aid into long-term defense-industrial cooperation and European security integration.

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Earlier, German Rheinmetall announced a partnership with Dutch aerospace company Destinus, known for supplying Ukraine with its Ruta cruise missile, to jointly develop new long-range strike systems and rocket artillery ammunition.

Two companies plan to establish a joint venture named Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems in the second half of 2026.

The initiative will focus on the development of cruise missiles as well as munitions for multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), including alternatives to GMLRS rockets used by the US-made HIMARS.

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