Will the EU Fully Incorporate Ukraine’s Defence Technology into Its Rearmament Strategy?

EU Rearmament Efforts: A Step Forward, Yet Ukraine Still Left Out

Recent discussions reveal that, although the European Union is advancing its rearmament agenda, Ukraine is not yet integrated into the collective planning framework. An expert highlighted this oversight to Euronews Next, noting that Ukraine’s exclusion remains a significant limitation.

Key Points from the Expert’s Insights

• Progress Achieved: The EU’s joint rearmament initiatives show promise in strengthening regional defense.
• Exclusion: Ukraine, a frontline country, has not yet been incorporated into the shared planning processes.
• Implications: Without inclusion, Ukraine may miss out on coordinated support and resources.

Why This Matters for Eastern Europe

As tensions rise in the region, a unified approach could offer better deterrence and rapid response capabilities. The current gap underscores a need for policy adjustments to ensure all right‑handed allies receive comprehensive strategic backing.

Moving Forward

Experts recommend that the EU accelerate the integration of Ukraine into its rearmament strategy, emphasizing partnership and shared logistical support.

Denmark Partners with Ukraine to Build Military Manufacturing on Danish Soil

Just before assuming the EU presidency last week, Denmark sealed a €67 million agreement with Ukraine. The contract allows Ukrainian defence firms to set up their production lines on Danish territory — an unprecedented collaboration.

Government Perspective

Minister of industry, business and financial affairs Morten Bødskov described the accord as a significant step in Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty, while also strengthening “Danish and European armament capabilities.”

• Expressed support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom.

<li highlighted benefits for Danish and European industry.

Strategic Integration

The deal will enhance Ukraine’s integration into the broader European rearmament effort. Bødskov stated that this partnership “ensures a higher degree of integration” for Ukrainian forces within European defence industries.

Contextual Timing

It follows a month after Ukraine launched an international joint weapons production programme. The programme aims to establish licensed production lines for Ukrainian weapons across allied nations, fostering additive manufacturing and supply chain security.

Future Challenges

Questions remain about whether these recent measures suffice to meet the evolving threats and defence requirements in the region.

Related: Why lessons from drone warfare in Ukraine could be key to defending Taiwan against China

How are European countries building Ukrainian tech?

Ukraine Boosts Drone Production Through European Partnerships

Ukraine is actively engaging with several European companies to advance its drone capabilities, building on a growing network of defense collaborations. Key multinational initiatives include:

Notable Projects and Companies

• United Kingdom – The UK is developing the Raybird surveillance drone, a lightweight 20‑kilogram fixed‑wing platform that can be launched in less than 25 minutes, offering up to 28 hours of flight time and a 2,500‑kilometre operational range.
• France – A French automotive giant is slated to produce first‑person view (FPV) drones in Ukraine. France’s Defence Minister, Sebastien Lecornu, hailed the venture as a “win‑win partnership.” The firm mentioned, Renault, has been approached for this endeavor.
• Sweden – SAAB is expanding its on‑ground presence in Ukrainian defense projects.
• Norway – Kongsberg is increasing its involvement in Ukrainian operations.
• French‑German Alliance – The KNDS consortium is deepening its footprint.
• Germany – Rheinmetall continues to broaden its engagement.
• United States – Raytheon is stepping up its presence and cooperation.

Official Statements

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine had secured new agreements with European allies and a leading U.S. defense firm aimed at accelerating drone production. However, he did not disclose the specific corporations involved.

In a separate development, Ukraine is drafting legislation to formalize joint weapons manufacturing with its partners. Defence Minister Rustem Umerov highlighted plans for a special legal and tax regime to help local defence producers expand and modernise, including the construction of facilities both domestically and abroad.

Seeking Further Information

Euronews Next reached out to the Ukrainian government for more details on the contracts, but did not receive a response at the time of reporting.

‘We are not included in the common planning’

Ukraine’s Rearmament Efforts Face EU Planning Gap

Senior research lead Olena Bilousova of the Kyiv School of Economics highlighted that Ukraine remains excluded from the European Union’s coordinated rearmament strategy. She described current initiatives as an encouraging start but emphasized the need for deeper integration.

Declining Effectiveness of U.S. Artillery

• American‑made M982 Excalibur shells now hit targets only 6 % of the time compared to 70 % previously.
• Russia’s advancing electronic warfare capabilities are largely responsible for this drop.

This reduction underscores a broader issue: EU‑procured weapons, once deemed standard, require reassessment or modernization. Bilousova urged that these systems be evaluated, noting that many remain outdated.

Misinterpretation of Ukraine’s Drone Strategy

Ukraine’s heavy reliance on drones for offensive operations is labeled a “cheap solution” by its allies. Bilousova clarified that the nation should formulate comprehensive procurement plans with partners, ensuring drones complement—not replace—conventional weaponry.

Strategic Integration of Conventional Arms

• Ukraine needs to develop “new strategies around conventional weapons.”
• These strategies should address quantities required and protection against drone threats.

Bilousova also suggested that Ukraine could demonstrate to Europe how to accelerate the development of battle‑tested technologies by using its “Danish model.” This approach takes 3–6 months from idea to field testing, compared to the EU’s typical 18‑month procurement cycle.

Financial Foundations for Rapid Development

• Ukraine earmarked approximately $30.8 billion (€29.4 billion) in 2023 for war efforts—over 20 times the pre‑2022 level.
• Community contributions via platforms like United24 raised > $1 billion (€950 million), funneling $930 million (€884.61 million) to the Armed Forces over the past three years.
• Both funding streams feed into Brave1, a unified coordination platform that has granted over 470 projects, totaling roughly 1.3 billion hryvnias (€29 million).

Pan-European approach to Ukraine defence tech ‘unlikely’

EU Considers a New Path for Ukraine’s Defence Integration

Challenges in Choosing the Right Forum

Anna Bilousova highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the most suitable platform for positioning Ukraine as a “consultant” in rearmament efforts. She suggested that the lack of a clearly defined forum could hinder progress.

European Perspective on Timing and Bilateral Action

Jacob Kirkegaard, senior colleague at the Bruegel think tank, emphasized that time is crucial in this situation.

• He believes that most integration will happen through bilateral arrangements, driven by Ukraine’s pressing need for weapons.
• Many member states are ready to provide the necessary funding, yet the EU as a single entity lacks this capability.

Kirkegaard told Euronews Next that while a pan‑European initiative might be aspirational, the practical approach relies on individual national governments.

Target Projects and EU Funding Mechanisms

The Commission is still plotting “target projects” that align with Ukraine’s interests, such as:

• Advanced air defence systems
• Drone‑based surveillance for submarine internet cables
• Cybersecurity enhancements

The EU has already employed a €150‑billion “SAFE” loan instrument, allowing states to finance joint defence projects. To qualify, at least 65 % of the weapon components must originate from within the EU or Ukraine.

Joint Task Force for a Defence‑Tech Ecosystem

An EU‑Ukraine task force has been set up to embed Ukraine into the “defence‑tech ecosystem.” This collaboration aims to streamline procurement and technology sharing.

Concerns About Long‑Term Impact

Bilousova warned that if the Commission does not step back to develop a long‑term strategy, future weapons investments might become ineffective and face delays in the next conflict.

She concluded: “It’s always wise to have a strategy in place, even if the war is already underway.”