The Commission approves €6.1 billion to support Ukraine’s air defence and missile defence

The European Commission has approveda further €6.1 billion to enable Ukraine to procure various defence equipment, including air defence and anti-missile systems, ammunition, drones and electronic war fare equipment. This vital funding will strengthen Ukraine’s ability to withstand the ongoing escalation of Russian attacks using ballistic missiles and drones.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: 

“Today we have approved €6.1 billion to help Ukraine procure various defence equipment, including air defence and anti-missile systems, ammunition, drones and electronic warfare capabilities. With this approval, Ukraine will also be able to acquire the Patriot equipment it needs to better protect its airspace from Russia’s indiscriminate attacks. Together with our Member States and NATO, we will continue to support Ukraine whilst strengthening Europe’s defence.”

These funds will support the procurement of defence equipment from both EU and Ukrainian companies. Following the agreement reached on Monday by EU Member States, the decision also allows Ukraine to procure PAC-3 missiles for the Patriot systems. Funded by the €90 billion support loan for Ukraine, the package includes five exceptions to the standard eligibility conditions: three for Ukrainian-manufactured drones and components that exceed the cost thresholds, and two for US-manufactured equipment, in particular PAC-3 missiles, including through the PURL mechanism coordinated by NATO.

The loan to support Ukraine comprises 30,000 million euros for budgetary aid and 60,000 million euros for defence over the period 2026–2027. With this approval, the €28.3 billion earmarked for defence support for Ukraine in 2026 has now been fully allocated, with precise details set out regarding equipment procurements, selected suppliers, the quantities required and implementation timelines.

Ukraine’s military superiority depends on the rapid availability of critical products in the required quantities and within very short timeframes. Speeding up deliveries to the EU by reducing stock levels, prioritising orders and increasing production remains essential.

The Commission has already disbursed €8.35 billion in defence funding for Ukraine this year, and further disbursements will follow shortly.

Next steps

Before disbursing the funds, the Commission reviews the contracts to ensure compliance with the conditions set out in the Ukraine Support Loan and the contractual terms agreed with the Member States.

Background

In February 2026, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/467 establishing the Support Loan for Ukraine. That Regulation provides for support of up to €90,000 million for Ukraine. This support is structured around two complementary components: assistance to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities and defence industry, and support to ensure the continued functioning of the state, maintain essential public services and strengthen economic resilience.

Following Ukraine’s submission of its Financing Strategy in March 2026, the Council adopted, on 23 April 2026, anImplementing Decisionsetting out the assistance to be made available to Ukraine in 2026. The Decision provides for support of up to €45,000 million for 2026, comprising €16,700 million in budgetary support and €28,300 million in support forUkraine’s defenceindustrial capabilities. The budgetary support component is divided equally between an additional contribution to the Mechanism for Ukraine and a newmacro-financial assistance operation, each amounting to up to 8,350 million euros.

The defence component focuses on the reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine’s defence technology and industrial base, whilst supporting its gradual integration into the European defence technology and industrial base.

All funding decisions respond to Ukraine’s evolving needs and are subject to agreed conditions and monitoring. Since 2022, the EU and its Member States have providedUkraine with a total of €220,200 million in aid, including €3,800 million from the sale of frozen Russian assets.

 

More information: European Commission