The European Commission has approved €6.1 billion in new defence procurement for Ukraine, covering air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars.
The funding, which was announced on Ukraine’s Independence Day (24 August), forms part of the EU’s €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027, and reaffirms ‘Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence and resilience against Russia’s ongoing aggression’, the Commission noted.
‘Unfaltering and concrete’
“On Ukraine’s Independence Day, Europe shows our support is unfaltering and concrete,” commented European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.
“Today, we have approved €6.1 billion for the air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars that Ukraine urgently needs. As Russia intensifies its attacks, we are stepping up to help Ukraine protect its people and defend its skies. Europe stands with Ukraine and we will deliver what it needs, when it needs it.”
It adds to €16 billion in already-approved procurement plans, of which €8.35 billion has been disbursed.
Most of the new procurements will be sourced from EU defence companies, with the Commission calling for a ‘significant increase’ in EU deliveries through destocking, reprioritising orders and ramping up production.
Ukraine Support Loan
The Ukraine Support Loan provides €30 billion for budgetary assistance and €60 billion for defence over 2026 and 2027. Of the funding allocated for 2026, €28.3 billion is earmarked for strengthening Ukraine’s defence industrial capacity.
The European Parliament and Council established the Ukraine Support Loan through Regulation (EU) 2026/467 in February 2026. Following Ukraine’s financing strategy submitted in March, the Council allocated up to €45 billion for 2026 in April, including €16.7 billion in budget support and €28.3 billion for defence industrial capacities.
Since 2022, the EU and its Member States have provided €220.2 billion in overall support to Ukraine, including €3.8 billion from the proceeds of immobilised Russian assets. Read more here.
