Belgium and Spain will provide Ukraine with €1 billion each in defense assistance. Ukraine’s Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov announced this following talks with Belgium’s Defense Minister Theo Francken and Spain’s Defense Minister Margarita Robles ahead of the meeting in the Ramstein format.
Funds will support development of existing systems
“We agreed on cooperation priorities with Belgium and Spain ahead of the ‘Ramstein’ meeting. We synchronized key areas of cooperation,” Fedorov noted.
The funds will be allocated to key defense sectors, from air defense systems to the development of modern unmanned technologies, which have already become decisive on the battlefield.
F-16, spare parts, and long-term support: Belgium bets on air power
Belgium confirmed its intention to supply additional F-16 Fighting Falcon jets to Ukraine, along with spare parts for existing aircraft.
This decision could significantly enhance Ukraine’s air capabilities and improve its effectiveness in countering aerial threats.
From funding to joint production: Spain expands defense cooperation
During the meeting, Ukraine and Spain focused on developing cooperation between defense industries, particularly within the European SAFE mechanism.
"We are ready to offer a list of manufacturers that can establish cooperation with Spanish companies,” Fedorov said.
Ukraine also proposed testing Spanish drones in real combat conditions, which could accelerate their adaptation to modern warfare.
“Win-win” alliance impacting battlefield and Russia’s economy
Mykhailo Fedorov thanked partners for their consistent support.
“Thanks to win-win cooperation, Ukraine continues to restrain enemy advances, de-occupy territories, protect the sky,” the minister said.
Earlier, the Ukrainian defense industry demonstrated a new generation of weapons. At a special event marking the Day of the Defense Industry Worker, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine showcased an updated exhibition of Ukrainian weapons and military equipment.
Among the displayed systems was the Areion missile-drone developed based on the “Palianytsia” project.
