Zelensky and Merz Announce Drone Production Deal
Germany and Ukraine agreed to strengthen defense cooperation, including joint drone production, during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Berlin. Zelensky said the forthcoming agreement could become one of the largest of its kind in Europe.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the accords underline the growing importance of Ukraine’s defense industry, which has demonstrated rapid innovation during the war, particularly in drone technology. He added that supporting Kyiv also reinforces the defense capabilities of Germany and Europe as a whole.
Germany remains Europe’s largest provider of military aid to Ukraine. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Berlin has provided around €55bn ($60bn) and has earmarked a further €11.5bn ($12.5bn) in the current budget. The support includes the procurement of Patriot and IRIS-T air defense systems.
The drone agreement envisages the creation of a joint venture to supply thousands of unmanned aerial vehicles to the Ukrainian armed forces. At the same time, Germany plans to invest hundreds of millions of euro in developing long-range strike capabilities.
The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation on mineral resources and energy security, alongside an agreement to establish a new working group on economic and trade matters.