The Netherlands and Ukraine have signed a memorandum to build drones together and boost Ukraine’s air defense. Dutch defense minister Ruben Brekelmans confirmed that The Hague is committing €200 million, mainly for developing interception (anti-drone) systems. The goal is to strengthen Ukraine’s protection against drones now, while also growing Dutch know-how and industry in this fast-moving field.
What exactly is being agreed?
The deal allows Dutch and Ukrainian companies to co-produce drones, helped by rule changes on the Ukrainian side to make joint production easier. Leaders say this is a “promising area” for cooperation, and part of a broader push to scale up European support for Ukraine’s air defence.
Ukraine faces constant drone attacks. Interception drones and detection gear can help stop them before they hit. For the Netherlands, the project supports allied defence goals and drone tech development at home. It also aligns with earlier Dutch aid initiatives, including funding for drone detection radars and participation in an international drone coalition supporting Ukraine.
Photo Credits: Netherlands Ministry of Defence
How this fits into wider support
Since 2022, the Netherlands has pledged multi-billion-euro support to Ukraine across military, humanitarian, and reconstruction lines. The new drone co-production step follows earlier announcements about drone funding and cooperation, and adds a manufacturing dimension to what had been mostly equipment deliveries and financing.
Expect follow-up on factory locations, partners, and timelines, plus details on how the €200 million will be spent (R&D, testing, components, and training). Dutch and Ukrainian officials described the agreement as an “important step” rather than the final plan, so more specifics should arrive as contracts and production lines are set up.
