Ukraine, Germany agree on large-scale defense cooperation package worth $4.7B

Kanyshai Butun

Kyiv and Berlin on Tuesday agreed on a large-scale defense cooperation package worth €4 billion (approximately $4.7 billion), Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on Telegram.

Fedorov said he held talks with his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, signing three “important agreements” aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, developing long-range capabilities, and jointly producing drones.

Ukraine and Germany are launching joint production of mid-strike drones using AI, according to Fedorov.

“In the first stage, 5,000 drones for the Defense Forces,” he said.

He added that Germany will finance a contract “for several hundred” Patriot systems, which will “significantly” strengthen the defense of Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.

Fedorov also said the supply of 36 IRIS-T launchers is planned.

He added that the sides agreed to €300 million ($353.8 million) in investments in long-range capabilities, which will allow increased production of Ukrainian weapons.

“Grateful to Boris Pistorius for his leadership and systematic support. This is a win-win cooperation that strengthens the defense of Ukraine and the security of all of Europe,” he added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country is proposing a bilateral drone deal with Germany during his meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.

During his official visit, Ukraine and Germany signed a data cooperation agreement between their defense ministries, as well as a joint declaration of intent on “support of industrial recovery and resilience” between their economy ministries.