The European Union has disbursed nearly $4 billion to Ukraine to strengthen its military capabilities, with the latest funding earmarked for drones, missiles, air defense systems and Gripen fighter jets.
The European Commission said Thursday that it had released €3.47 billion ($3.98 billion) under the defense component of the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan.
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The new funding is designed to accelerate deliveries of critical military equipment and bolster Ukraine’s ability to defend its airspace as the war with Russia continues.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the package would also deepen cooperation between Ukraine and the EU’s defense industries.
“Today, we are investing an additional €3.47 billion to help protect Ukraine’s skies,” von der Leyen said, describing the initiative as part of Europe’s emerging “Drone Deal,” which aims to combine the bloc’s industrial capacity with Ukraine’s experience and defense technology.
According to the Commission, the latest payment is another tranche under the first product schedule for drone procurement. The funding will support the purchase of long-range jet-powered drones, missiles and air defense systems, as well as Gripen fighter aircraft.
The EU said further funding for drones, ammunition, missiles and air defense equipment is expected to be approved and disbursed in the coming weeks.
The latest payment follows several previous disbursements under the support program. These include €3.2 billion in macro-financial assistance on June 25, €3.9 billion through the defense window on June 30 and another €1.1 billion on July 15.
The bloc expects to allocate €28.3 billion during 2026 to strengthen Ukraine’s defense industrial capacity. The final allocation is scheduled to be completed by September, with payments continuing through the end of the year.
The broader Ukraine Support Loan includes €60 billion for defense capabilities and military-industrial production, while another €30 billion is allocated to budget support aimed at keeping government institutions, essential public services and the wider economy functioning.
The latest funding underscores the EU’s growing focus on drones and air defense as key elements of Ukraine’s military strategy and Europe’s broader effort to expand defense production.
