Ukrainian defence companies have officially joined the European Union’s flagship military innovation programme, receiving a share of €910 million (£780 million) in funding through the European Defence Fund (EDF). This marks the first time Ukraine has been included in the EU’s defence industrial collaboration.
The European Commission confirmed the move on its official website, highlighting that the investment is part of its ongoing effort to strengthen troop mobility, enhance counter drone technologies, and close key capability gaps across the continent. The funds will support projects that unite European defence research institutes with industrial partners, boosting innovation and resilience.
Spokesperson for the European Commission, Thomas Regnier, said the involvement of Ukrainian defence firms is a significant step towards closer integration between Ukraine and the EU’s defence sector. He noted that it will help embed Ukraine into the European defence production network, supporting the country’s security in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
The investment is also part of the broader “Rearmament of Europe” plan, which aims to rebuild and modernise the continent’s defence readiness through 2030. The EDF is a central pillar in that strategy, offering funding for new and advanced military technologies. This year, nine pioneering projects were selected, including METASTEALTH, which develops advanced stealth materials, and EUROSWEEP, which focuses on a shared autonomous mine-clearing system.
Among the newly funded projects is Ukrainian Small UAS, an initiative that will design advanced artificial intelligence powered unmanned aerial systems. Another major project, ENGRTII, involves over 45 research and industrial partners working together to create a next generation European helicopter by the end of the decade.
The participation of Ukrainian firms in these high tech efforts signals an important shift. It shows Ukraine’s growing role in European security and its ability to contribute cutting edge solutions during a time of full scale war. The decision is also a sign of increasing trust and long term commitment between Kyiv and Brussels, with Ukraine no longer viewed merely as a recipient of aid but as a co-creator in Europe’s defence architecture.
In parallel, the European Commission has also pledged to deliver an additional €2.1 billion (£1.8 billion) in military aid to Ukraine, funded from profits made from frozen Russian assets. Of this total, €1.1 billion (£940 million) will go towards purchasing weapons for Ukraine, with the remaining amount used to buy military goods directly from Ukrainian manufacturers.
The European Union’s support through both funding and policy now aims to not only assist Ukraine’s current defence needs, but also ensure the country plays a foundational role in the future of European security.
