On May 12, 2025, the EU-Ukraine Task Force held its inaugural meeting in Brussels, focusing on enhancing collaboration between the EU and Ukrainian defence industries.

The initiative aims to integrate these defence industries to develop joint projects and streamline procurement processes, as outlined by EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius.

The EU is set to invest hundreds of billions of euros into defence over the next four years, which includes €650 billion in additional fiscal space and €150 billion through a new loan program known as SAFE.

Negotiations regarding the SAFE program are currently ongoing among member states and are expected to conclude by the end of May 2025, with initial disbursements anticipated in over six months.

Ukraine's annual defence production capacity is projected to reach €35 billion in 2025, marking a significant increase from 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

Key priorities for the Task Force include enhancing supply chains and capabilities, particularly in explosives and drone technology.

Ukrainian advisor Alexander Kamyshin referred to the ongoing conflict as the 'first world drone war,' emphasizing Ukraine's advancements in manufacturing unmanned systems and AI-driven drone technology.

Despite historical challenges, Europe's defence industry aims to produce two million ammunition rounds in 2025, following an initial failure to meet a target of one million rounds within a year.

Kubilius concluded that increased production and innovation in collaboration with Ukraine are vital for bolstering European security against threats such as Russia.

He also noted that European countries should not only purchase weapons from Ukraine but should also acquire production technologies and management systems to enhance their own defence capabilities.

Kamyshin expressed readiness to share insights and innovations from the war to assist European partners in building a collective defence arsenal.

An Industry Outlook plan, reflecting national capability targets, is expected to be released in late June, coinciding with EU leaders' approval of common defence projects.