UAVs for Ukraine: Europe is willing to spend
In February 2023, Germany selected Helsing to produce 6,000 additional strike drones for Ukraine. (Photo: Helsing)
Despite President Donald Trump’s suspension of military aid to Ukraine, Shephard Defence Insight data suggests that in relation to UAVs, Europe and its non-US NATO allies are more than willing to fill any spending vacuum and are already contributing more than twice as much as the US.
The US is suspending military aid to Ukraine, days after President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s public disagreement at the White House.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, the US has allocated an estimated $1 billion for the acquisition of UAVs destined for Ukraine.
Europe and other NATO allies, such as Canada and Australia, may be required to fill this UAV vacuum, with the UK Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer calling for a “coalition of the willing” during a meeting of 18 world leaders on Sunday.
According to data from Shephard Defence Insight, however, the so-called collation of
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Pentagon confirms it will continue with the acquisition of E-7 Wedgetails for US Air Force]()
Pentagon confirms it will continue with the acquisition of E-7 Wedgetails for US Air Force
The Pentagon has sent an amendment to the Office of Management and Budget, according to Pete Hegseth, including funds for the procurement of E-7 Wedgetails in FY2027.
-
![Ukraine fighter jet plans accelerate with Sweden and Belgian updates]()
Ukraine fighter jet plans accelerate with Sweden and Belgian updates
The country could be on the cusp of finalising an historic deal with Saab for up to 150 aircraft, with Belgium also increasing its number of donated F-16 aircraft to 53 with refreshed delivery timelines.
-
![US Air Force prepares next stage of E-3 Sentry modernisation]()
US Air Force prepares next stage of E-3 Sentry modernisation
The USAF intends to conduct the second phase of the DRAGON programme from FY2026 to FY2030, while the future of the E3 replacement remains unknown.
