The European Commission has disbursed €3.47 billion to Ukraine under the defence window of the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, funding drones, missiles, air defence systems and Gripen fighter jets. The payment, announced on 31 July 2026, responds to Ukraine's urgent military needs as it continues to defend against Russia's war of aggression. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the disbursement helps protect Ukraine's skies and brings European and Ukrainian defence industries closer together, calling it "our new Drone Deal taking shape." Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen stressed the funding delivers critical air defence systems and missiles, while Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said the EU and Ukraine are working hand in hand to meet military needs.
The disbursement covers an additional tranche of the first product schedule on drone procurement, including long-range jet-powered drones, missiles and Gripen fighter jets. It follows earlier payments under the programme: €3.2 billion on 25 June under the dedicated Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) operation, then €3.9 billion on 30 June and €1.1 billion on 15 July under the defence window. In 2026 alone, €28.3 billion is earmarked for Ukraine's defence industrial capacity, with the allocation expected to be finalised by September through product schedules and disbursements continuing until the end of the year. The Ukraine Support Loan comprises €60 billion for defence capabilities and industrial capacity plus €30 billion in budget support. The Council's Implementing Decision of 23 April 2026 set up to €45 billion in support for 2026, including €16.7 billion in budget support and €28.3 billion for defence. Since the start of the war, the EU and its member states have provided more than €220 billion in overall support to Ukraine, including €3.8 billion from proceeds of immobilised Russian assets.
The new funding accelerates Ukraine's access to critical equipment, directly strengthening its air defence and overall defence capacity. For European taxpayers, the disbursement represents a continued financial commitment, but it also deepens the integration of EU and Ukrainian defence industries, combining Europe's industrial scale with Ukraine's innovation. The move signals sustained EU resolve, with von der Leyen stating that every Russian strike strengthens Ukraine's determination to be free and the EU's determination to stand with Ukraine "for as long as it takes." Further support for drones, ammunition, air defence and missiles is expected to be approved and disbursed in the coming weeks, as the EU moves to deliver the full €28.3 billion available for 2026.