Netherlands Allocates €150 Million for Ukraine’s Air Defense

The Netherlands will allocate €150 million to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and develop the “Drone Line” project in collaboration with the UK.

This is reported by the correspondent of Suspilne TV from the meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine.

This announcement was made by Dutch Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans ahead of a meeting with the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine.

According to Brekelmans, air defense systems are a key priority in the Netherlands’ support for Ukraine.

“Air defense is also a request President Zelenskyi made this week, as Russian air attacks have intensified. We continue to supply F-16s. We’ve also already pledged €500 million for the drone project, which is crucial for Ukraine. Today, we’re also announcing €150 million for the air defense system, which will further assist Ukraine in defending its sky,” Brekelmans stated.

The minister also outlined that the “Drone Line” project, for which the Netherlands had committed €500 million, would be implemented jointly with the United Kingdom. This will likely take place within the framework of the “Drone Coalition,” co-chaired by the UK and Latvia.

Brekelmans reminded attendees that, several weeks before, the Netherlands had announced an additional €3.5 billion in support for Ukraine, with €2 billion allocated for that year.

The Dutch minister emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s position on the battlefield, which he said would also contribute to more favorable positions in negotiations.

“If we want Ukraine to be in a better position at the negotiating table, it is essential to support it on the battlefield. This will not only help hold the front lines but also improve its negotiating position,” he explained.

Drone Line

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence launched the “Drone Line” project in March 2025. Designed to scale the unmanned capabilities of the Ukrainian military, the project aims to create a continuous zone of denial along the front line.

Launched by the President of Ukraine, the project is based on the “Birds of the Magyar” unmanned systems brigade and includes air defense regiments such as “Rarog,” “K-2,” “Phoenix,” and “Achilles.” The initiative will recruit military personnel and civilians to support these efforts.

These units are tasked with creating an impenetrable zone of 10 to 15 kilometers, preventing enemy forces from approaching Ukrainian positions without suffering heavy losses, while providing air support and coverage for infantry units.