Spain allocates €615 million in military aid to Ukraine

Spain prepares new €615 million military aid package for Ukraine

During a meeting in Madrid, Spain announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth €615 million. This was stated by the Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez.

The distribution of funds is as follows:

• ≈ €300 million will be used to supply new defence equipment (weapons).

• ≈ €100 million will be allocated under the PURL programme for the purchase of US weapons for Ukraine.

• ≈ €215 million - through the SAFE Instrument (EU) - for products for anti-drone systems, radars and air surveillance equipment. In addition, Spain will provide Ukraine with 40 missiles for the IRIS-T system.

• Ukraine and Spain also agree on a project to jointly supply long-range target detection radars.

• Sanchez announced that the aid would be activated next month.

Why it matters

• This package significantly strengthens military cooperation between Ukraine and Spain and demonstrates Spain's growing role as a reliable supplier of defence equipment.

• The allocation of funds for «anti-drone» systems and radars indicates that the focus of aid is shifting to asymmetric defence, The aim of the programme is to provide a comprehensive and effective response to the threat.

• The delivery of 40 missiles for IRIS-T means that Ukraine's air defence system will be able to expand its medium-range capabilities.

• The involvement of the PURL and SAFE programmes shows that the assistance is not only funded purely nationally, but also through NATO/EU institutions - which increases its sustainability and long-term nature.

Context.

Spain has made several large contributions to support Ukraine in the past, but this package is one of the largest announced recently.

This is happening against the backdrop of Ukraine's need for air and anti-drone defence, as well as radars, artillery, and ammunition - and partner countries are increasingly focusing on accelerated delivery and modernisation weapons.

What's next

• The Ukrainian side should receive details of the delivery timeframe, equipment types, and delivery logistics.

• The first batches of weapons under this package can be delivered as early as in the coming months.

• At the same time, Spain and Ukraine are planning a radar production/supply project, which could mean not only imports but also joint production or technical partnerships.

• For Ukraine, it will be important to integrate the equipment into the existing defence system and provide personnel training, logistics and service.

• For Spain, this is a chance to strengthen its defence industry, export technology and strengthen its position in NATO/EU military-technical cooperation.