The Netherlands and Ukraine have signed preliminary agreements aimed at launching joint drone production and strengthening defence cooperation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday.
Speaking alongside Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten in Middelburg, Zelenskyy said Kyiv had proposed a dedicated security partnership centred on drone technology. The initiative extends beyond unmanned systems to include broader air defence development and collaborative weapons manufacturing.
He confirmed that both sides had authorised their teams to finalise technical details, marking the formal start of work on the drone agreement and the first phase of joint production with Dutch partners.
Under the arrangement, the Dutch government has committed €248 million (approximately $292 million) to support the procurement and manufacturing of drones through domestic companies. The funding is intended to accelerate cooperation with Ukraine’s defence industry.
Zelenskyy noted that the signed documents provide a structural framework for the initiative, adding that discussions also covered anti-ballistic defence systems.
Prime Minister Jetten reaffirmed the Netherlands’ long-term military support for Ukraine, stating that assistance would continue for several years without interruption. He described the new agreement as a step toward a more balanced and integrated defence partnership.
According to Jetten, both countries aim to jointly develop advanced technologies and modern defence capabilities, with broader benefits expected for European security. He said the agreement lays the foundation for deeper collaboration between Ukrainian and Dutch industries.
Zelenskyy’s visit to Middelburg included participation in the Four Freedoms Awards ceremony, where he and the Ukrainian people were honoured with the International Four Freedoms Award. During his trip, he also met King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.
The visit follows Zelenskyy’s recent diplomatic engagements in Germany, Norway, and Italy earlier in the week.
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