Ukraine and Germany near completion of joint drone development agreement
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine is finalising a drone partnership with Germany after talks with Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
In a Telegram post, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that Ukraine is finalising a defence pact with Germany that will focus on joint development of various drones, missiles and software. The talks followed a call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during which they also discussed additional air-defence support and a possible in-person meeting. The pending deal expands on a multi-million-euro programme that supplies Kyiv with roughly 15,000 Strila interceptor drones designed to counter Shahed-type threats.
Earlier collaboration includes the creation of Quantum WIY Industries, a joint venture between German firm Quantum Systems and Ukrainian manufacturer WIY Drones, aimed at scaling interceptor production. Germany is also financing an order for 50,000 Shrike attack drones built by Ukrainian company SkyFall, marking one of the largest Western drone purchases for Kyiv.
Why it matters
The agreement strengthens Ukraine's aerial defence and deepens German-Ukrainian security cooperation amid ongoing conflict.
How this story developed
- Aug 14 Russia claims strikes on Ukrainian rail hub and vessels as drones hit Russian ports
- Aug 25 Washington warned allies to sever business ties with Iran under threat of secondary sanctions.
- Aug 26 John Ratcliffe was identified as being on the C‑17 that landed in Moscow.
- Aug 26 Kremlin spokesman said Putin had been informed of Ratcliffe's discussions with Russian security services.
- Aug 26 The UK announced the transfer of Storm Shadow missile design data to Ukraine.
- Aug 27 Ukrainian forces launched close to 800 drones toward Moscow in a coordinated operation.
- Aug 30 Russia announced preparation for large‑scale assaults on Ukraine’s energy facilities.
- Aug 30 Merz told ARD that the investigation into the August 4 incident at Leipzig/Halle airport is nearing completion and that a consensus exists within the German government on how to act. He indicated that the forthcoming measures will be coordinated with the European Union and NATO, ensuring allies are not surprised. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the event as a possible hybrid attack, hinting at foreign involvement, while reports suggest Russia may be blamed.
- Aug 30 Death toll rises to 38 in the Myla ammunition depot strike.
- Sep 1 Sixth consecutive day of Russian missile and drone attacks kills at least 12 in the Kyiv region.
- Sep 1 Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said the Moscow visit achieved its declared purpose of reducing regional tensions.
- Sep 1 Germany formally attributes the Leipzig airport drone incident to Russia.
- Sep 2 Germany scheduled the Russian consulate in Bonn to close on Sept 18.
- Sep 2 Three explosive‑laden drones were found near Leipzig/Halle Airport, one near a Ukrainian cargo plane.
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