On September 29, 2026, Ukraine's Minister of Defense Oleksiy Khmar appealed to the European Union for funding to develop interceptors that would assist in combating Russian reactive drones known as Shaheds.
The Issue of Russian Drones
Russian reactive drones have become a significant threat to Ukraine. They are capable of inflicting considerable damage, which necessitates finding effective and economical ways to neutralize them. Minister Khmar noted that while Ukrainian forces have already had successes in shooting down such drones, the sheer number and technological capabilities of these threats require new solutions.
Solutions to the Problem
Ukraine is actively working on developing its own solutions to combat Shaheds. In particular, Ukrainian manufacturers are already testing new models of interceptor missiles that could be used to destroy enemy drones. However, additional funding is needed to scale these developments and implement them within the military.
Call to the International Community
Khmar emphasized the importance of international support in this matter. He urged the EU not only to provide funding but also to collaborate more closely with Ukrainian manufacturers to create effective solutions. This could include:
- Funding the development of new technologies;
- Sharing expertise and knowledge;
- Joint research and testing of new systems.
Thus, support from the European Union could become a key factor in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities and ensuring security in the region.