€8.5 billion for defense and manufacturing — Ukraine has signed 15 agreements with Germany
Ukraine and Germany have signed 15 agreements and memoranda of understanding worth more than €8.5 billion. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this following German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Kyiv. These cover defense production, air defense, counter-drone measures, procurement for the Ukrainian army, and joint projects in Ukraine.
According to Zelenskyy, the agreements cover several important areas. Among them are weapons production, purchases by the Ukrainian side, orders for German industry, and joint projects. “These are important agreements between Ukraine and Germany that will strengthen both countries and our industries. Fifteen agreements totaling 8.5 billion euros,” the president wrote.
He noted that special emphasis was placed on countering Russian drones. This includes interceptor drones and small missiles designed to help combat aerial targets. The agreements also provide for cooperation on radars, ground-based robotic systems, and artillery. Ukraine and Germany plan to strengthen other areas of air defense as well. They will work separately on the Patriot system
Another area of focus is increasing the production of missiles for the Patriot systems in Germany. Ukraine is interested in receiving more resources to strengthen its air defense in the face of constant Russian attacks. Earlier, following a meeting with Merz, Zelenskyy reported that the new German support package for Ukraine exceeds €1.3 billion. It includes weapons, assistance to the energy sector, and funding for the production of new interceptors against “Shahed” drones.
As part of their defense cooperation, the parties also agreed on the procurement and delivery of thousands of IRIS-T missiles and systems, artillery ammunition, and surveillance radars. Separately, discussions focused on the testing and procurement of interceptors for jet-powered drones. Ukraine will place more orders with German companies
Zelenskyy emphasized that these agreements do not merely entail receiving aid from Germany. Ukraine will also place orders with German companies. According to him, this will help support production in Germany, while Ukraine, in turn, will receive the necessary weapons and equipment. “During the war, Germany is helping Ukraine, and Ukraine is placing defense and other orders that will provide work for companies in Germany. This will be a significant contribution,” the president said.
At the same time, the countries will exchange expertise and technology. Ukraine will share with its German partners the practical experience gained during the war, particularly in the field of drones and counter-drone measures. The parties will develop joint production. Among the signed documents are agreements between the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and the German companies Diehl Defence, HENSOLDT, and Quantum Systems.
The agreement with Diehl Defence covers missiles, IRIS-T systems, and artillery shells. HENSOLDT will cooperate with Ukraine in the field of surveillance radars. Quantum Systems is involved in the testing and procurement of interceptors for jet-powered drones. Ukraine has also signed a contract to localize the production of Ukrainian drones for the National Guard in Germany. Separate agreements concern unmanned systems for rescue operations.
In addition, cooperation agreements were signed by Quantum Systems and Fire Point, ARX Robotics and Roboneers, as well as Helsing and Culver Aerospace. There are also agreements regarding the energy sector A separate set of agreements concerns the energy sector. The Ministry of Energy and Naftogaz of Ukraine signed a memorandum with Siemens Energy Global. Ukrenergo has agreed to cooperate with the German companies 50Hertz Transmission GmbH and Amprion GmbH. Overall, the energy agreements are intended to help Ukraine strengthen and restore its energy infrastructure.
Ukraine and Germany will also work within the framework of the FREYJA program, which involves joint efforts by European countries and companies to enhance security. Merz Arrived in Kyiv with an Economic Delegation
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on October 4 on an unannounced visit. This time, he was accompanied not only by government officials but also by a large economic delegation. The delegation included representatives from the defense industry, the energy sector, and other sectors. According to Merz, German business leaders want to contribute to Ukraine’s defense, its logistical support, and its future reconstruction.
Thus, the 15 documents signed cover more than just a single area. It is a whole package of agreements—ranging from missiles and air defense to drones, radars, energy, and joint production. Zelenskyy thanked Merz for his visit and Germany for its support of Ukraine. “Thank you, Friedrich, for your visit. Thank you, Germany, for your support,” the president said. He announced this on Telegram.
More than half of Ukrainians believe that Volodymyr Zelenskyy should limit himself to one term and not run in the next presidential election.
