EU and Ukraine seal 'drone deal' to boost joint production

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen announced Wednesday that the EU had sealed a 'drone deal' with Ukraine. The agreement aims to boost joint production of the battlefield technology and establish joint ventures between European and Ukrainian manufacturers.

Ukraine had already signed similar deals with individual EU countries and Gulf nations looking to tap into the expertise Kyiv has developed during more than four years of war with Russia. The new agreement elevates that cooperation to the EU level.

Drone production sits at the centre of Ukraine's defence strategy and aligns with broader European efforts to strengthen the continent's defence industry. Details on the implementation timeline are expected in the coming weeks.