Ukraine has formalized an agreement to strengthen defense collaboration with Belgium and Spain, focusing on advancements in air defense systems, drone technologies, and long-range artillery capabilities. This development was announced by Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov following discussions with his Belgian counterpart, Theo Francken, and Spain’s Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, ahead of the upcoming Ramstein format meeting.
In discussions with Belgium, Ukraine outlined steps to enhance its air defense, develop unmanned systems, and meet front-line artillery needs. Belgium reaffirmed its commitment to continue military support, which includes funding for defense assistance and the provision of aviation equipment and components.
During talks with Spain, both nations explored expanding defense industrial cooperation within European security frameworks. The Ukrainian delegation proposed the testing of Spanish drones in combat conditions and expressed willingness to facilitate collaboration between defense enterprises in both countries.
Fedorov expressed gratitude to both partners for their ongoing support, emphasizing that such collaboration strengthens air defense, enhances the effectiveness of countering missile and drone attacks, and bolsters frontline defense capabilities.
The latest meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format took place on February 12 at NATO headquarters in Brussels. During this session, the United Kingdom announced its largest support package to date for Ukraine, amounting to £500 million (over $680 million) aimed at enhancing air defense forces. Several other countries also announced their own assistance packages:
- Germany will allocate at least €1 billion for drone purchases and funding projects to enhance air defense.
- Norway has committed $7 billion, part of which will be directed towards drones, air defense, and artillery.
- Sweden announced a package worth €1.2 billion.
- Denmark will increase its overall assistance to $2 billion.
- The Netherlands, Latvia, and Estonia plan to allocate at least 0.25% of their GDP to support Ukraine.
- The Netherlands also announced a contribution of €90 million to PURL.
- Spain will provide $1.2 billion.
- Belgium will contribute €1 billion.
- Lithuania will provide $265 million.
- Canada will separately fund military and medical needs.
- Australia announced a new contribution to the PURL initiative.
- Portugal reported contributions to PURL and the “Czech Initiative,” along with the transfer of armored vehicles and drones under the SAFE program.
- Turkey will enhance Ukraine’s air defense with its own contribution.
- Slovenia announced a $5 million aid package.
The next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format is scheduled for April 15.
Ukraine has solidified defense partnerships with Belgium and Spain, focusing on air defense and drone technology. This comes amid broader international support for Ukraine's military capabilities, highlighted during the recent Ramstein format meeting.