Key facts
- Ukraine's defense ministry reported a 370% increase in drone deliveries in 2026.
- The ministry's procurement agency contracted for 5.5 times more drones than in the same period of 2025.
- Drone deliveries have increased by almost 3.7 times compared to the same period in 2025.
- Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara stated that technology and drone availability increase combat effectiveness.
- The EU disbursed 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion) on Oct. 7 to support Ukraine's drone procurement.
- 15.4 billion euros ($17.2 billion) of EU defense support for Ukraine remains unused by the end of 2026.
Ukraine's defense ministry announced on October 11 that its drone procurement and delivery volumes have substantially increased in 2026 compared to the previous year. The ministry's procurement agency has contracted for 5.5 times more drones and received deliveries that are almost 3.7 times higher than in the same period of 2025.
Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara stated that the availability of sufficient drone means increases combat effectiveness and reduces risks for soldiers. The ministry attributed these indicators to support from international partners and the scaling of Ukraine's defense industry capabilities.
International support is bolstering drone procurement across Europe, with Germany and the U.K. announcing support packages and a battlefield data deal for AI drone swarms, respectively. The EU-Ukraine drone alliance began its work in September.
The EU disbursed 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion) on October 7 to aid Ukraine's drone procurement, with another payment anticipated before an EU leaders' summit on October 14. Approximately 15.4 billion euros ($17.2 billion) of EU defense support for Kyiv remains unused by the end of 2026.