The European Commission has provided for the purchase of anti-ballistic weapons under the defence component of the EU loan for Ukraine worth €6.1 billion.
This was stated by European Commission spokesperson Balazs Ujvari during a briefing in Brussels, Ukrinform reports.
According to the spokesperson, the current funding package covers missiles, ammunition, radars and anti-ballistic capabilities. At the same time, there is a clear rule in force: all military equipment and weapons must be ordered only from European or Ukrainian manufacturers.
Ujvari said the European Commission has already approved seven procurement schedules. For the funds to be disbursed, Ukraine must provide signed contracts with defence enterprises; after these are analysed and approved, Brussels will quickly transfer the money.
The Commission spokesperson also added that by the end of this year Ukraine may submit lists of products worth €6 billion with a request for an exemption from the rules. This would allow it to buy the necessary weapons, including interceptor missiles, from third countries such as the United States. Ujvari does not rule out that Ukraine will submit the relevant requests in the coming weeks.
- As reported, on 24 August the European Commission approved new defence procurements for Ukraine worth €6.1 billion. This funding covers air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars.
- This adds to procurement plans already approved totalling €16 billion, of which €8.35 billion has already been provided. Most procurements will be made from EU defence companies.