Ukraine and Portugal Launch Joint Production of Naval Drones

Ukraine is strengthening its defense-industrial cooperation with Europe, reaching a new technological level. During the first visit to Kyiv by Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, the parties signed a statement on a strategic partnership for the joint production of naval drones.

Signing the Agreement

The document, as reported by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his Telegram channel, was signed by him and the head of the Portuguese government. Montenegro’s visit and the signing of this statement became an important political signal of the two countries’ rapprochement in the security sphere.

“This is one of the most promising areas in defense work now. It is important that there are results. And all parts of our Europe must have enough strength to counter any threats, and modern drones are a real tool of protection,”

— stated Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Why Is This Important for Ukraine?

The agreement opens access for the Ukrainian defense-industrial complex (DIC) to new technologies, production capacities, and, critically, to EU markets. Joint production is a path to standardization, increased output volumes, and reduced costs for naval unmanned systems that have already proven their effectiveness.

For Ukraine, this is also a matter of diversifying partners and integrating into European defense sector value chains, which aligns with the country’s strategic goals. This cooperation strengthens Ukraine’s technological sovereignty and opens new horizons for exporting high-tech products.

Context of the Visit and Other Agreements

Beyond drones, the negotiations touched on financial and military support. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Portugal for participating in the PURL (Portugal, UK, Romania, Latvia) initiative to procure American weapons for Ukraine, as well as for supporting the decision on a €90 billion EU loan (approximately $97.2 billion*) for the next two years.

This visit, as reported by “Liga.net“, confirms Ukraine’s growing role not only as a recipient of aid but also as a promising partner in the field of advanced military technology.

Prospects for Business

For Ukrainian private and state-owned defense companies, the partnership with Portugal is a window of opportunity. It could lead to the creation of joint ventures, technology transfer, and long-term contracts. The development of this direction also stimulates related sectors: IT, microelectronics, logistics, and shipbuilding.

The success of such cooperation could set a precedent for concluding similar agreements with other NATO and EU countries, strengthening Ukraine’s position as a hub for innovation in defense technology. This partnership signals to Western investors the potential of Ukraine’s high-tech defense sector for future joint ventures and co-production projects.

*Exchange rate as of 20.12.2025: 1 EUR ≈ 1.08 USD.