Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara called on the E5 countries to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses immediately and provide timely funding for the production of unmanned systems in 2027. Among the proposals is the transfer to Ukraine of 10% of available stocks of certain interceptor missiles, including those for Patriot and IRIS-T systems.
This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
Khmara addressed representatives of the defense ministries of Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Poland and Italy. European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska also joined the meeting.
Ukraine asks for interceptors from existing stocks
The minister named air defense as the first critical priority.
Ukraine already has contracts for future deliveries of interceptor missiles and is proposing that partners transfer part of their existing stocks now in exchange for future deliveries that Ukraine is due to receive later.
Khmara proposed considering the transfer to Ukraine of 10% of available stocks of the relevant interceptors, including missiles for Patriot and IRIS-T systems that Ukraine is contracting using an EU loan.
The minister also stressed the critical need for MANPADS to counter jet-powered drones. Ukraine is counting both on funding for new purchases and on the transfer of systems from partners’ existing stocks.
Drone production could be doubled
Khmara named unmanned systems as the second priority.
According to the Defense Ministry, Ukrainian manufacturers have the capacity to double drone production in 2027, but timely funding is required.
“We propose not simply increasing procurement, but scaling up joint production of Ukrainian drones in other countries,” the minister said.
According to him, this approach would both increase drone supplies to Ukraine and strengthen the defense capabilities of partner countries.
Khmara stressed that support for Ukraine in 2027 needs to be planned now so that the necessary weapons arrive when they are needed.
