Ukraine Proposes Joint Defense Projects Under EU’s SAFE Initiative
Ukraine has formally presented a series of defense-industrial projects, focused on drones, ammunition, and missile production, at a high-level EU meeting aimed at reinforcing Europe’s defense capabilities through the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to Ukraine's Ministry of Defence.
Speaking at the Defence Readiness Task Force in Brussels, First Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Serhii Boiev underscored Ukraine’s readiness to join joint European efforts and integrate its defense industry into the continent’s broader security system.
The event brought together defense policy directors from EU member states, who discussed national priorities for joint procurement, partly to be funded under the SAFE program.
Ukraine’s proposals, which include long-term production plans for drones, ammunition, and missile systems, are designed to both equip Ukrainian forces on the battlefield and contribute to Europe’s overall defense resilience.
Boiev emphasized that these projects could secure long-term contracts for Ukraine’s defense sector through 2030.
“Ukraine produces high-quality, combat-proven weapons,” Boiev said. “However, we still require advanced European equipment, particularly air defense systems, missiles, artillery, and armored vehicles. We are ready for mutually beneficial cooperation on the path to integrating Ukraine’s defense industry into the European ecosystem.”
The EU’s SAFE initiative, launched to close critical gaps in European defense readiness, encourages joint procurement of military equipment and supports defense-industrial production across the continent.
Under SAFE, joint orders involving at least two EU countries can receive favorable credit terms. The program is open to Ukraine and countries of the European Economic Area, enabling equipment to be jointly procured or even manufactured in Ukraine.
EU representatives expressed interest in working with Ukraine, especially on projects related to unmanned systems and missile technology.
SAFE is seen as a pivotal initiative for strengthening Europe’s ability to respond swiftly to security threats, while simultaneously boosting support for Ukraine amid its ongoing defense against Russian aggression.
Read more on The Gaze: Electronic Warfare in Ukraine: Winning the War One Signal at a Time