The European Commission has approved €6.1 billion in new defence procurement for Ukraine, with the funding directed towards air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars. The decision was announced on Ukraine’s Independence Day and is part of the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan (UASL) covering 2026 and 2027.
The latest package comes as Ukraine faces continued Russian missile and drone attacks. According to the Commission, 376 missile strikes were recorded in July alone, increasing the requirement for additional air-defence and interceptor capabilities.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the new funding demonstrates that European support for Ukraine remains concrete.
“On Ukraine’s Independence Day, Europe shows our support is unfaltering and concrete. Today, we have approved €6.1 billion for the air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars that Ukraine urgently needs.”
Von der Leyen added that the increased Russian attacks require Europe to accelerate deliveries to help Ukraine defend its airspace.
Procurement to draw on European industry
Most of the equipment financed through the new allocation is expected to come from European defence companies. The Commission is calling for increased deliveries as Ukraine faces a higher volume of ballistic missile attacks and the use of jet-powered drones by Russia.
To increase availability, the EU points to several measures, including drawing down existing defence stocks, reprioritising orders and expanding industrial production. The objective is to shorten the time between procurement decisions and the delivery of equipment to Ukrainian forces.
Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, highlighted the scale of the threat facing Ukraine.
“Last month alone, Ukraine faced 376 missile strikes. In the face of this relentless threat, the European Union is taking concrete action.”
Kubilius said the UASL is enabling Ukraine to procure the missiles and air-defence systems required to protect its population and maintain its ability to defend its territory.
The €6.1 billion approval adds to €16 billion in defence procurement plans already authorised under the mechanism. Of that amount, €8.35 billion has already been disbursed.
€60 billion for defence in 2026-2027
The Ukraine Support Loan provides €90 billion in support, divided between budgetary assistance and defence-related funding. Of the total, €30 billion is allocated for budgetary support, while €60 billion is earmarked for defence during 2026 and 2027.
For 2026 specifically, the defence component includes €28.3 billion aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defence industrial capacity. The funding is intended not only to provide immediate military equipment but also to support the reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine’s defence technological and industrial base.
The EU framework also envisages Ukraine’s gradual integration into the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base.
The mechanism was established through Regulation (EU) 2026/467, adopted by the European Parliament and Council in February 2026. Following Ukraine’s financing strategy submitted in March, the Council approved an implementing decision on 23 April allocating up to €45 billion for 2026.
Contracts required before payments
Ukraine will access the newly approved procurement funding by submitting contracts signed with defence companies. The European Commission will examine those contracts before releasing the corresponding payments, verifying that the funds are being used for procurement agreed with EU Member States and the Commission.
Since 2022, the EU and its Member States have provided €220.2 billion in overall support to Ukraine. This figure includes €3.8 billion generated from the proceeds of immobilised Russian assets.