The United Kingdom and Germany have launched a joint defense effort to support Ukraine with 220,000 rounds of 35mm ammunition for its Gepard air-defense systems, along with financial backing for drone capabilities, as announced by their defense ministers during the 29th Ramstein-format meeting on July 21.
U.K. Defense Secretary John Healy stated, “Boris and I have formed a partnership to deliver essential air defense missiles to Ukraine,” referring to his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, and their collaborative initiative.
Pistorius further confirmed Germany’s commitment to fund the delivery of the ammunition designated for Ukraine’s Gepard anti-aircraft systems.
Furthermore, the U.K. and Germany will collaborate to fund the procurement of long-range drones produced in Ukraine—systems both nations claim have already demonstrated their battlefield effectiveness.
“These drones eliminate Russian aircraft, missiles, and UAVs while they’re still on the ground, neutralizing threats before they can endanger Ukrainian cities or infrastructure,” said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
He also noted that the first batch of drones funded by Germany is set to reach the Ukrainian military within the next few days.
U.K. Defense Secretary John Healy revealed that Britain has earmarked £700 million (approximately $910 million) in defense support for Ukraine in 2025. This funding will go toward artillery shells, long-range missiles, and air defense equipment—with £150 million (around $195 million) committed over just the past two months. Since March, the U.K. has also delivered close to 50,000 drones to Ukraine.
In addition, the United Kingdom will provide a further £40 million (roughly $52 million) as part of NATO’s broader military support initiative.
An online session of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, held under the Ramstein format, is scheduled for July 21. Ukraine’s new Defense Minister, Denys Shmyhal, is expected to participate for the first time.
A total of 52 countries are taking part in the meeting, including representatives from NATO, the European Union, and other international partners. The purpose of the group is to coordinate military assistance, training programs, and comprehensive support for Ukraine in its resistance against Russian aggression.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also announced that the United States and Germany have reached an agreement to supply Ukraine with five Patriot air defense systems. The delivery is anticipated to take place soon.
