Air defense, drones and ammunition: Ministry of Defense summarizes results of 36th Ramstein meeting

Reinforcing air defense, the supply of drones and artillery ammunition became the key results of the 36th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format. A number of states announced new aid packages and additional contributions for arms procurement.

This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

The meeting took place on September 8 in an online format under the chairmanship of the United Kingdom and Germany. The Ukrainian delegation was headed by Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara. The military leadership of Ukraine also took part in the discussion.

The main topic of the meeting was the need to strengthen Ukrainian air defense ahead of the autumn-winter period. Kyiv separately drew the partners' attention to the need for additional interceptors for Patriot systems, air-to-air missiles, man-portable air defense systems and other means of combating Russian missiles and combat drones.

Germany to hand over additional missiles for Patriot

Germany confirmed the further enhancement of Ukrainian air defense. In particular, this involves the supply of PAC-2 missiles for Patriot systems directly from Bundeswehr stocks.

Berlin will also continue funding and procurement of unmanned systems for the Defense Forces. Germany remains one of the main partners of Ukraine in air defense, supplying systems of various types, ammunition for them and funding arms production.

Separately, the parties discussed the possibility of accelerating already planned deliveries, since Ukraine aims to receive additional air defense capabilities before the period of maximum strain on the energy system begins.

Britain to allocate additional funds through PURL

The United Kingdom announced the allocation of another £100 million under the PURL mechanism, through which European allies and other partners finance the procurement of American weapons for Ukraine.

Priority will be given to missiles for Patriot systems and other air defense capabilities.

In addition, London confirmed further supplies of drones and artillery ammunition. Under its cooperation with the British side, Ukraine is also expected to receive tens of thousands of extended-range shells.

Norway to finance missiles for air defense

Norway will allocate about $200 million for the purchase of missiles for Patriot systems. Strengthening Ukrainian air defense remains one of the priorities of Norwegian military support.

In recent years, Oslo has been financing both procurement of ready-made weapons and joint initiatives with other European countries that allow ammunition and systems to be purchased directly from manufacturers.

Netherlands to invest $300 million in drones

The Netherlands announced an allocation of $300 million for the "Drone Line" project, aimed at expanding the production and supply of unmanned systems for the Ukrainian army.

In addition, Ukraine is to receive 300 missiles from the Netherlands designed to combat Russian drones.

The mass use of relatively inexpensive interception means is becoming especially important against the backdrop of Russia's increased number of combat UAVs and the emergence of faster jet drones.

New packages prepared by Poland, Spain and the Baltic states

Poland is preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine worth about €50 million. It is expected to include, among other things, air defense capabilities.

Spain confirmed funding for the supply of fuel, air defense missiles and artillery ammunition.

Lithuania will allocate another $10 million for the purchase of American weapons under the PURL mechanism. Sweden announced an additional contribution of $28 million to support Ukraine's defense needs.

Estonia, for its part, confirmed its intention to maintain a significant level of support for Ukraine in 2027, directing at least 0.25% of its GDP to military aid.

Ukraine has already contracted about 1,000 Patriot missiles

During the meeting, the Ukrainian side emphasized that the problem is not only the financing of procurement but also the production time of new missiles.

Ukraine already has contracts for about 1,000 interceptors for Patriot systems, the acquisition of which is financed with the participation of partners and, in particular, through European support mechanisms.

However, a significant part of the contracted ammunition will be produced and delivered in the coming years. Therefore, Kyiv asks partners to hand over missiles from their own stockpiles to Ukraine now.

As one option, Ukraine proposes that allies receive new, more modern missiles in exchange after long-term Ukrainian contracts are fulfilled.

Such a mechanism would help reduce the gap between the current urgent need for interceptors and the production timelines for new ammunition.

Ukraine needs additional capabilities against jet drones

Another priority was the creation of a cheaper and larger-scale system to counter Russian drones.

Using expensive Patriot missiles against every air threat is economically impossible, so Ukraine is expanding a layered air defense system – from fighter jets and air defense systems to interceptor drones and mobile fire groups.

Jet-powered combat drones pose a particular threat, requiring faster interceptors, additional air-to-air missiles and modern man-portable systems.

Kyiv urges partners to make financial decisions before winter

The Ukrainian side also presented to partners a comprehensive plan for further waging war, which consolidates the army's needs, defense industry development, personnel training and long-term financing of weapons production.

According to the Ministry of Defense's assessment, a significant gap remains between available resources and funding for all of Ukraine's defense needs.

One of the key areas is to guarantee stable production of drones and ammunition not only until the end of 2026, but also in 2027. To this end, Ukraine needs to conclude contracts with manufacturers in advance and ensure their financing.

Kyiv called on allies to make key financial decisions as early as possible, so that the money can turn into real missiles, drones and ammunition to be delivered to the Defense Forces units.