Von der Leyen promised Ukraine "safe drone factories" in the EU

The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, promised Ukraine to provide "safe drone factories" on the territory of the European Union. This was reported by the Reuters news agency on July 15.

According to the agency, Ukraine and the European Union have signed an agreement on drones, which provides for combining Ukrainian experience and European industrial potential to increase production.

"Your knowledge of working with drones and anti—drone systems is truly unique," von der Leyen said, addressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

She also noted that the EU can offer Ukraine technological and industrial opportunities, as well as safe and reliable production sites.

Arms race: Why Europe needs Ukrainian missile programs

While Kiev is talking about its own production, allies are lining up for access to new technologies and defense capabilities.

Nine European countries, including members of the Coalition of the Willing, agreed on July 13 to create an association with Ukraine to counter ballistic missile attacks. The members of the new coalition intend to combine defense industry bases, research and experience to create a joint missile defense capability in Europe.