Germany has announced a major step in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities by investing in long-range drone production. On September 9, during the Ramstein-format meeting in London, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius unveiled a new initiative worth €300 million to jointly procure drones with Ukraine's defense industry.
According to Boris Pistorius, the initiative is aimed at expanding Ukraine's ability to strike at the rear of russia's war machine while ensuring effective defense on the frontlines. He described the project as a deep strike initiative that will significantly boost Ukraine's capacity to disrupt enemy operations far beyond the front line.
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The German minister emphasized that the contracts will be signed directly with Ukrainian companies. In total, several thousand long-range drones of various types will be supplied, providing flexibility and scalable options for future needs. This structure also opens the door for other international partners to join the program and contribute funding.
"This initiative involves a series of contracts with Ukrainian enterprises worth €300 million. They provide for the delivery of thousands of domestically produced long-range drones, with flexible options to increase the quantity. We invite all of our partners to take part," Pistorius stated.
The decision marks a shift toward deeper cooperation between Germany and Ukraine's defense industry. Rather than solely supplying Western-made equipment, Berlin is investing directly into Ukrainian production, which not only speeds up delivery but also strengthens Ukraine's own technological base.
Long-range drones have proven effective in targeting russian logistics hubs, airfields, and critical infrastructure deep inside temporarily occupied territory and within russia itself. Expanding their fleet promises to sustain and amplify this pressure.
Boris Pistorius underlined that Germany's commitment to Ukraine remains firm, both militarily and politically. By helping Ukraine build a position of strength, Berlin hopes to ensure that russia's aggression faces not only resistance at the front but also constant disruption behind the lines.
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