European Countries Expand Ukraine Support with Air Defence, Drones and Military Pledges

The Netherlands, Denmark and the United Kingdom have announced new military pledges to Ukraine, expanding their support with air defence systems, drones, and strategic cooperation, as more than 50 countries gathered at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting in Brussels.

Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans confirmed a €150 million pledge for air defence, including the delivery of I-HAWK systems in coordination with the U.K., following Ukraine’s appeal for additional protection from Russian airstrikes.

The Netherlands also completed the delivery of a full Patriot missile system, with the final command center now in place after earlier deliveries of the radar and launch components. Brekelmans further announced the recent transfer of additional Dutch F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom unveiled a £450 million package of military aid. Of this, £160 million will support repairs and maintenance of British-supplied equipment through local partnerships under the U.K.-Ukraine Taskforce HIRST, while over £250 million is allocated for radar systems, anti-tank mines and hundreds of thousands of drones, including highly manoeuvrable FPV models and munition-dropping variants reported to be inflicting significant damage on Russian forces. U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey said the new support aims to strengthen Ukraine’s battlefield position and increase pressure on the Kremlin, stating, “2025 is the critical year for Ukraine. We must step up to deter Russian aggression by continuing to bolster Ukraine's defences.”

In addition to its aid package, the U.K. will take on a leadership role in NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) mission, managing a new trust fund designed for rapid procurement. This fund will be supported by contributions from Canada, Denmark and Iceland, with equipment sourced from both U.K. and Ukrainian suppliers.

Denmark also reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Ukraine during meetings with allied defence ministers. Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said Denmark stands ready to continue its support both financially and through a potential military presence in Ukraine after any future ceasefire. Denmark’s recent 6.7 billion kroner donation package includes air defence systems, artillery, and funding for Ukraine’s air force, raising the country’s total military assistance since 2022 to more than 60 billion kroner. Poulsen stressed the importance of collective action, saying, “It is important that we send a strong signal that Europe is ready to support a possible peace agreement in Ukraine. Both for Ukraine, but also for our own security.”

The Netherlands also signed a declaration of intent with Norway to deepen defence cooperation in the High North. The two countries plan to strengthen their military presence and explore further joint initiatives to maintain stability in the region.

The meeting in Brussels took place alongside the first official gathering of the Coalition of the Willing, a group of 30 countries co-led by the U.K. and France, committed to planning long-term international support for Ukraine beyond the current conflict.