EU: 3.47 billion allocated to Ukraine for drones, missiles and Gripen fighter jets
(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - The European Commission has announced that it has disbursed €3.47 billion to Ukraine as part of the defence component of the €90 billion support loan. The funds – as explained in a press release – are intended to meet Kyiv’s urgent military needs and to strengthen its defence capabilities against Russian aggression. The payment covers an additional tranche of the first drone procurement programme and includes funding for further unmanned aerial vehicles, including long-range jet drones, missiles and Gripen fighter jets. The aim is to enable Ukraine to rapidly acquire the equipment deemed essential. “Today we are investing a further €3.47 billion to help protect Ukraine’s skies,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “With this new tranche as part of our €90 billion loan package, we are helping Ukraine to defend its people. We are also bringing our defence industries closer together, combining Europe’s industrial capacity with Ukraine’s unrivalled innovation. Our new agreement on drones is taking shape. And this new support sends a clear message: every Russian attack strengthens Ukraine’s determination to be free and our determination to stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
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