European Commission approves €6.1bn for Ukraine air defense and drones
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The European Commission approved an additional €6.1 billion for Ukraine to procure air and missile defense systems, ammunition, drones, and electronic warfare equipment on Friday, September 11. The decision enables Ukraine to purchase American PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems. The funds come from the EU's €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan for 2026-2027.
Key Facts
- The European Commission approved €6.1 billion for Ukraine's air defense, ammunition, drones, and electronic warfare on September 11.
- Ukraine can now purchase American PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems.
- The funds come from the EU's €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan for 2026-2027, with €60 billion for defense and €30 billion for budget support.
- With this decision, the European Commission has allocated all €28.3 billion planned for Ukraine's defense support in 2026.
- €8.35 billion has already been paid out, with further payments expected soon.
Funding Allocation
The European Commission approved an additional €6.1 billion for Ukraine to procure air and missile defense systems, ammunition, drones, and electronic warfare equipment. The funds are drawn from the EU's €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan for 2026-2027. Of that total, €60 billion is earmarked for defense needs and €30 billion for budget support. The Commission agreed to five exceptions from standard Ukraine Support Loan conditions to finance the new package. Three exceptions concern Ukrainian-made drones and components exceeding threshold values, and two concern American equipment, primarily PAC-3.
Patriot Missile Procurement
The decision enables Ukraine to purchase American PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Ukraine can now acquire the Patriot equipment it needs to better protect its sky from Russia's indiscriminate attacks. European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius said Ukraine will try to obtain as many PAC-3 interceptors as possible before winter. One option is for countries with PAC-3 missiles to transfer them from their own stocks and later receive replacements from deliveries originally planned for Ukraine in 2027. Kubilius said Ukraine already has understandings or agreements with various suppliers and EU countries on PAC-3 deliveries next year.
2026 Defense Budget
With the new decision, the European Commission has allocated all €28.3 billion planned for Ukraine's defense support in 2026. Specific purchases, suppliers, required quantities, and timelines have been defined for these funds. €8.35 billion has already been paid out, and further payments will follow soon, according to the European Commission. Before transferring funds, the Commission verifies contracts for compliance with loan conditions and procurement rules agreed with EU countries.
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