Germany has unveiled a new plan to significantly broaden its defence partnership with Ukraine, signalling a pragmatic approach by Berlin and the European Union to bolster Europe’s long-term security and military capabilities. The 10-point framework marks a shift from one-off arms deliveries to a systemic partnership in the production, development, and procurement of weapons, benefiting both German and European defence industries.
The plan includes the establishment of a permanent Ukrainian defence sector presence in Berlin, facilitating direct access for German companies to Ukraine’s operational experience and wartime innovations. These insights, gained amid ongoing conflict with Russia, provide valuable lessons for European defence planning and threat mitigation.
Regular consultations between the defence ministries of both countries will create mechanisms for Germany to influence future European security architecture while integrating practical combat knowledge into policy and procurement decisions.
Advancing joint weapons production and technological capabilities
A key element of the plan is collaborative production of drones and other modern weapons systems. This approach enables Europe to rapidly enhance technological capabilities without full reliance on non-European suppliers. Joint development and procurement efforts are designed to strengthen the industrial base while ensuring access to cutting-edge innovations.
The partnership also promotes technology transfer and on-the-job training, allowing German firms to benefit from Ukrainian expertise in combat-tested solutions. Such collaboration accelerates capability development and reduces strategic dependencies, ensuring Europe can respond more effectively to emerging threats.
Integration of Ukraine’s defence industry into European supply chains is expected to create shared production networks across the continent. This fosters industrial cooperation and contributes to a more autonomous European defence sector, strengthening the EU’s strategic resilience.
Leveraging battlefield experience for European security
Ukraine’s operational experience provides Germany with unique insights into modern warfare and practical combat scenarios. Access to this knowledge allows German armed forces and defence contractors to refine weapons systems, training programmes, and doctrinal approaches.
Berlin can use this direct link to influence the shaping of Europe’s future security architecture, incorporating lessons learned from ongoing conflict into long-term planning. This creates a feedback loop where operational experience informs industrial development and policy decision-making.
Such collaboration not only improves Germany’s defence readiness but also benefits wider European security, enhancing collective resilience against potential threats along the continent’s eastern flank.
Strengthening EU defence autonomy and regional stability
By integrating Ukraine into European defence markets, Germany aims to reinforce EU defence autonomy and establish interconnected production chains within Europe. Investment guarantees and transparent anti-corruption mechanisms are planned to reduce risks for German industry, encouraging long-term engagement.
Support for Ukraine as a defence partner also strengthens Europe’s eastern flank, mitigating threats to EU states and potentially lowering future deterrence costs. This strategic cooperation positions Ukraine not just as an ally but as a pivotal contributor to continental security and industrial development.
