Allies Pledge 120,000 Drones and Enhanced Air Defense for Ukraine
At the 34th Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting in Berlin, Western allies reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine despite escalating tensions in the Middle East. The UK announced its largest drone package to date, pledging over 120,000 units for delivery this year, alongside artillery and air defense missiles. UK Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that drones have defined the conflict and are decisive for future outcomes. Germany reinforced its support through a €4 billion defense package, which includes financing hundreds of Patriot missiles via Raytheon and additional IRIS-T systems from Diehl Defence. These agreements also cover joint drone production and digital battlefield data sharing. Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov highlighted the urgent need for PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles to protect critical infrastructure, noting that new contracts will be fulfilled over the next few years. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attended the session, underscoring the alliance's unity. Although US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was absent, high-level representatives maintained focus on sustaining military aid. The meeting concluded with a strong message that global attention on other crises must not diminish support for Kyiv’s defense efforts.
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Allies Pledge 120,000 Drones and Enhanced Air Defense for Ukraine
At the 34th Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting in Berlin, Western allies reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine despite escalating tensions in the Middle East. The UK announced its largest drone package to date, pledging over 120,000 units for delivery this year, alongside artillery and air defense missiles. UK Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that drones have defined the conflict and are decisive for future outcomes. Germany reinforced its support through a €4 billion defense package, which includes financing hundreds of Patriot missiles via Raytheon and additional IRIS-T systems from Diehl Defence. These agreements also cover joint drone production and digital battlefield data sharing. Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov highlighted the urgent need for PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles to protect critical infrastructure, noting that new contracts will be fulfilled over the next few years. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attended the session, underscoring the alliance's unity. Although US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was absent, high-level representatives maintained focus on sustaining military aid. The meeting concluded with a strong message that global attention on other crises must not diminish support for Kyiv’s defense efforts.
euronews