EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance
The EU–Ukraine Drone Alliance is an initiative launched to coordinate efforts between the European Union and Ukraine in the development, production and supply of unmanned aerial systems. It was established in 2024 in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, where drones have become central to battlefield operations. The alliance brings together EU member states, defence companies and drone manufacturers, with the aim of joint financing, standardisation and the integration of Ukrainian battlefield experience into European defence capabilities. Its work is intended both to support Ukraine's defence and to strengthen the European defence industrial base.
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Von der Leyen announces EU–Ukraine joint missile defense, Patriot procurement and SAFE-funded program in State of the Union
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen used her 16 September State of the Union address to announce that the EU will jointly develop an affordable modular missile defense system with Ukraine based on the Freyja project, launch a new program for joint projects with Ukrainian defense companies using remaining SAFE funds, and urgently deliver American Patriot interceptor missiles newly procured for Ukraine. She framed the package as the EU's strongest-ever support for Ukraine ahead of what she described as the harshest winter of the war.
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First EU–Ukraine Drone Alliance meeting set for 11 September in Brussels
The first meeting of the EU–Ukraine Drone Alliance is scheduled for 11 September in Brussels, bringing together EU and Ukrainian drone manufacturers with European Commission officials. European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius will attend, with 19 EU-side and 9 Ukrainian-side companies participating. The meeting will focus on assessing the current state of affairs, defining a timeline for action, and discussing initial measures aimed at accelerating the deployment of unmanned technologies and counter-drone systems across the EU.