Germany is funding the purchase of 50,000 attack drones for Ukraine in one of the biggest known drone orders placed by a Western government for Kyiv. A source familiar with the matter confirmed the deal. The move highlights the growing role of drones in Ukraine's defence strategy as the war with Russia continues into its fifth year.

Ukraine has relied heavily on unmanned vehicles throughout the conflict. The country now produces millions of drones every year. Ukrainian forces also carry out thousands of drone strikes daily. These drones have become an important part of military operations on the battlefield.

The latest order includes Shrike first-person-view (FPV) drones built by leading Ukrainian manufacturer SkyFall. The drones use software developed by U.S. defence technology company Auterion. The software allows the drones to track moving targets on their own during the final stage of the flight before hitting them.

Auterion Chief Executive Officer Lorenz Meier confirmed the size of the contract. He said the deal is worth around €90 million, or about $103 million. He added that a European country is funding the purchase. Meier also said some of the drones have already reached the Ukrainian government. The remaining drones will be delivered later this year.

SkyFall confirmed Germany's involvement in the purchase. However, the company said it could not comment on the details of the agreement.

Germany's Defence Ministry also declined to comment, citing operational security.

Ukraine's Defence Ministry declined to comment as well.

The Shrike drone has been in use in Ukraine since 2023. It is known as a low-cost attack drone and has recently gained attention outside Ukraine.

A version of the drone called Shrike 10-F is produced by SkyFall in partnership with British company Skycutter. The drone recently secured the top position in the first round of a Pentagon-run competition. The contest is part of a $1.1 billion programme that aims to purchase hundreds of thousands of one-way attack drones. Auterion said its software is being used in several drones taking part in the competition.

Meier said Auterion is working with different drone manufacturers to help supply a total of 100,000 drones to Ukraine this year. Several Western governments are providing funding for these deliveries.

He also said the company has completed another major supply order under a $50 million contract from the Pentagon. The agreement covered the delivery of 33,000 drones to Ukraine. According to Meier, all of those drones have already been delivered.

Western countries have continued to expand military support for Ukraine through drone supplies. Last month, Britain announced that it would provide 150,000 drones to Ukraine during this year. The commitment forms part of a wider funding package worth £752 million, or around $1.01 billion.

The latest German-backed drone purchase adds to these international efforts. It also shows that drones remain a key part of military support provided to Ukraine. Countries supporting Kyiv continue to invest in unmanned technology as Ukraine strengthens its battlefield capabilities during the ongoing war with Russia.