EU disburses €3.47 billion to Ukraine for drones, missiles and Gripen jets
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The European Commission announced on Thursday the disbursement of €3.47 billion to Ukraine for urgent military needs, including drones, long-range missiles, air defense systems, and Gripen fighter jets. The payment is the latest under a €90 billion loan program, with 60 billion earmarked for defense and 30 billion for state functioning. Further funding for ammunition and equipment is expected to be approved in the coming weeks.
Defense Tranche Details
The EU Commission said the €3.47 billion payment falls under the defense component of the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan. Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi confirmed receipt, telling DW that Ukraine has so far attracted €11.6 billion of the €45 billion expected in 2026 — €8.4 billion for defense and €3.2 billion for budget support. The funds will cover the first phase of a drone procurement plan, as well as additional long-range jet drones, missiles, and Gripen fighters. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the tranche will 'help protect Ukraine's airspace' and underscored the growing integration of EU and Ukrainian defense industries.
Program Scope and Future Payments
The Ukraine Support Loan totals €90 billion, with €60 billion for strengthening defense capacity and industrial base and €30 billion for maintaining state functions, according to Sabah. In 2026, the bloc expects to disburse €28.3 billion specifically for defense-industry support, the Commission noted. The EU also indicated that additional financing for drones, ammunition, air defense systems, and missiles will be approved in the coming weeks. DW reported that PM Koretskyi confirmed the overall 2026 allocation of €45 billion under the mechanism, with €11.6 billion already paid out, signaling further large tranches ahead.
What's Next
The European Commission is set to approve additional defense-related financing in the coming weeks, including for drones, ammunition, air defense systems, and missiles. It remains unclear how quickly the promised equipment can be delivered to the front lines, amid persistent logistical and production challenges.
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EU disburses €3.47 billion to Ukraine for drones, missiles and Gripen jets
