The European Commission has approved €6.1 billion for Ukraine for air defense, drones, and missiles

The European Commission has approved an additional €6.1 billion for Ukraine to purchase air and missile defense systems, ammunition, drones, and electronic warfare systems. The decision also allows for the procurement of American PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems.

Funding is provided under the Ukraine Support Loan. Following this decision, the total amount of defense support for Ukraine for 2026, totaling €28.3 billion, has been allocated to specific procurement categories, suppliers, and implementation timelines.

The European Commission has approved exceptions to the program’s standard rules. Some of these exceptions pertain to Ukrainian drones and components, as well as the procurement of weapons outside the EU. In particular, the package allows Ukraine to purchase PAC-3 for the Patriot system, including through NATO’s PURL mechanism. Of the €6.1 billion, approximately €3.2 billion is allocated to procurements requiring such exemptions; this amount covers not only PAC-3 but also other systems, including drones.

Overall, the Ukraine Support Loan program provides for up to €90 billion in support for Ukraine in 2026–2027: €60 billion for defense needs and €30 billion for budgetary support. Before the funds are actually transferred, the European Commission will verify that the contracts concluded by Ukraine comply with the agreed procurement terms.

The decision strengthens Ukraine’s ability to procure critically needed air defense systems while also funding the production and acquisition of unmanned technologies amid intensifying Russian missile and drone attacks.

Source: European Commission — briefing from September 11, 2026

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