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EU and Ukraine Sign Landmark Drone Deal to Scale Up Production
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Ukraine and the European Union have signed a new Drone Deal as part of a broader defense-industrial partnership, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced during a visit to Kyiv on July 15.
Speaking alongside Ukrainian officials, von der Leyen said the agreement is intended to combine Ukraine's battlefield expertise in the use of drones and counter-drone technologies with the European Union's industrial and technological capabilities.
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According to the European Commission president, Ukraine has developed unique expertise in drone production, supply chain management, and the deployment of radar systems, ground stations, and sensors throughout the course of Russia's full-scale invasion.
At the same time, she said, the European Union offers advanced technological capabilities and secure manufacturing facilities that can help scale up production.
She added that the partnership is expected to encourage greater investment and expand the defense manufacturing capacity of both Ukraine and the European Union.
According to von der Leyen, the new agreement will combine Ukraine's innovation with Europe's industrial scale, strengthening the security of both sides through closer defense cooperation.
Von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on July 15 for her 11th visit to Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. She described the trip as taking place at “a special moment,” pointing to what she called Ukraine's “strong military momentum” on the battlefield.
She also announced plans to introduce new initiatives aimed at further integrating the defense industries of Ukraine and the European Union to expand and accelerate joint weapons production. The visit's agenda also includes discussions on Ukraine's European Union accession process and preparations for the coming winter.
During the visit, von der Leyen was awarded Ukraine's newly established Order of Europe, becoming the first recipient of the state decoration.
The Order of Europe was established to honor Ukrainian citizens and foreign nationals for supporting Ukraine's European integration, strengthening international cooperation, and contributing to the country's independence and security.
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