Countries participating in the international drone coalition have committed to allocate €2.75 billion this year to support Ukraine.
This was stated in a press release by the Latvian Ministry of Defense.
According to the statement, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds announced on Wednesday during the international drone coalition summit in Riga that Turkey and Belgium have expressed their intention to join the coalition.
“The international coalition is becoming stronger — we will be able to deliver more drones to Ukraine while simultaneously strengthening the defense industry of Latvia, the EU, and NATO countries. Our strength lies in unity, so the addition of new allies to the coalition will allow us to provide Ukraine with the much-needed support in its fight against the aggressor,” Sprūds emphasized.
He also noted that coalition member countries have made a joint contribution of about €180 million to a pooled drone procurement fund led by the United Kingdom. This fund is intended for centralized procurement of drone technology alongside national support measures by each coalition member country.
It is noted that Latvia plans to allocate €20 million this year for drone purchases, and another €10 million for cooperation projects between Latvian and Ukrainian enterprises within the coalition framework. Last year, Latvia also allocated €20 million to support Ukraine, providing nearly 5,000 combat drones.
Since the drone coalition was established on February 14, 2024, its member countries have provided significant support to Ukraine — reaching €1.8 billion just in 2024. In 2025, a total of €2.75 billion is planned to be allocated to support Ukraine.
With the addition of Belgium and Turkey, the drone coalition will include 20 countries.
The drone coalition was formed in February 2024 during the 19th “Ramstein” format meeting. The idea was proposed by Latvia. Together with the United Kingdom, they coordinate the initiative’s work.
Currently, the coalition includes 18 countries: Latvia, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Estonia, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Germany, Sweden, and Ukraine.
