Brussels, — The European Commission has approved €6.1 billion (approximately $7.1 billion) in new defense procurement funding for Ukraine. The package will support the purchase of air and missile defense systems, missiles, ammunition and radars.
The approval was announced on Ukraine’s Independence Day and comes as Russia has increased its use of ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones. The European Commission said Ukraine recorded 376 missile strikes in July alone.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe’s support for Ukraine remains concrete and that the new funding will help the country protect its people and defend its skies.
EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said the funding will allow Ukraine to procure the missiles and air-defense systems needed to protect its population and defend its sovereignty.
Procurement and Delivery
Most of the equipment will be sourced from European Union defense companies. The Commission has called for faster deliveries by releasing existing stocks, reprioritising current orders and increasing factory production.
The latest €6.1 billion approval adds to €16 billion in procurement programmes already authorised under the initiative. Of that amount, €8.35 billion has already been disbursed.
Part of €90 Billion Ukraine Support Loan
The funding comes from the broader €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027. The program allocates €60 billion for defense and €30 billion for general budgetary assistance.
The European Parliament and the Council established the loan through a regulation adopted in February 2026, while Ukraine submitted its financing strategy in March.
On April 23, 2026, the Council approved up to €45 billion for 2026, including €16.7 billion in budget support and €28.3 billion for defense industrial capacity.
Contract Review and Oversight
Ukraine can request payments after submitting signed contracts with defense companies. The European Commission will review each contract before releasing funds to ensure that purchases match plans agreed by Ukraine and EU Member States and that the money is used only for approved military equipment.
All funding decisions remain subject to agreed conditions and ongoing monitoring.
The defense component of the loan also supports the reconstruction and modernisation of Ukraine’s technological and industrial base, including its gradual integration into the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base.
Since 2022, the EU and its Member States have provided €220.2 billion in overall financial, humanitarian and military support to Ukraine. This total includes €3.8 billion generated from the proceeds of immobilised Russian assets.
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