Ukraine is scaling its military capabilities through a new EU drone production partnership and the acquisition of 16 French Rafale fighter jets, while Russia continues ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv and attacks in the Zaporizhzhia region. These developments mark a shift toward long-term industrial integration and advanced aerial warfare to counter Russian aggression.
EU and Ukraine Launch Joint Drone Production Partnership
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new partnership in Kyiv to co-produce drones. According to von der Leyen, the deal leverages Ukraine’s unique operational knowledge of drone warfare and defense systems alongside Europe’s industrial capacity and secure production sites.
The initiative aims to rapidly provide battle-proven drone systems in large quantities. Von der Leyen cited the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran as primary drivers for the need to increase investment and production speed.
Did you know? The EU has already begun disbursing a 90-billion-euro credit to support Ukraine, and a 21st sanctions package against Russia is currently under development.
Ukraine Acquires Rafale Jets and Storm Shadow Licenses
The Ukrainian Presidential Office confirmed the purchase of 16 Rafale fighter jets from France. Under an agreement signed in November 2025, pilot training is scheduled to begin in 2026. These aircraft are part of a broader plan to acquire up to 100 machines.
The deal extends beyond aircraft. The joint declaration with France includes the acquisition of air defense systems and a license to produce Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles within Ukraine. Funding will come from the EU’s 90-billion-euro support loan for 2026/27 and other sources.
Russian Strikes Hit Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that Russian ballistic missiles struck two districts in the capital, causing fires in a warehouse and an uninhabited house. The Ukrainian Air Force stated that Russia launched at least eight missiles in two waves.
In the southeast, Zaporizhzhia Governor Iwan Fedorow reported that Russian attacks killed at least five civilians. Three deaths occurred in the regional capital, and two men were killed by remote-controlled drones in the front-line city of Orikhiv. Fifteen others were injured in the capital city.
Maritime Escalation and Drone Warfare in the Black Sea
Ukraine is expanding its maritime drone campaign. Robert “Madyar” Browdi, commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF), announced via Telegram that the USF attacked 20 Russian ships in the Black Sea on the night of July 15. This operation, dubbed “MoLoChKa,” extends drone strikes beyond the Sea of Azov.
Simultaneously, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin claimed that Russian air defenses neutralized 340 Ukrainian drones targeting the Moscow region within 24 hours, noting that over 50 were destroyed specifically on the path to the city.
Rheinmetall Accelerates 155mm Ammunition Supply
German defense firm Rheinmetall has delivered the first batch of 155mm artillery shells from its new Unterlüß plant in Lower Saxony. The company stated the first shipment includes a “low five-digit number” of shells and propellant charges.
Rheinmetall intends to scale its annual production of 155mm shells to approximately 1.5 million units by 2030. More than half of the current order has already been delivered, with the remainder expected by the end of 2026.
Russian Casualty Estimates (Reported by Kyiv)
The Ukrainian General Staff released figures claiming Russia lost approximately 1,470 soldiers in a 24-hour window. These figures are not independently verified.
| Category | Total Estimated Loss | Last 24 Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Personnel | 1,423,280 | +1,470 |
| Tanks | 12,141 | +10 |
| Artillery Systems | 45,953 | +42 |
| Drones | 409,204 | +2,003 |
Baltic Warnings of Hybrid Warfare
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics warned of Russian sabotage and hybrid attacks on critical infrastructure. Following a meeting in Vilnius, the leaders cited intelligence reports suggesting Russia may test NATO’s Article 5 response mechanisms.
Rinkevics stated that as Russia’s ability to advance on the battlefield diminishes, the Kremlin may pivot toward indirect provocations on the NATO eastern flank.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Ukrainian pilots begin training on Rafale jets?
According to the Ukrainian Presidential Office, training is scheduled to start in 2026.
What is the goal of the EU-Ukraine drone partnership?
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the goal is to combine Ukraine’s operational expertise with Europe’s industrial capacity to produce battle-proven drones in large quantities.
How is the purchase of French jets being funded?
Funding will be drawn from a 90-billion-euro EU support credit for 2026/27 and other financial sources.
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