UK and Latvia Join Forces to Provide Ukraine with 1000 Drones

Defense News ,UK ,Ukraine :- On Thursday, Britain revealed its plans to collaborate with Latvia in leading an international coalition focused on delivering thousands of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Ukraine.

Last month, London committed £200 million ($250 million) to offer the "largest drone package ever given to Ukraine by any nation." This commitment was part of a 10-year security cooperation agreement with Kyiv.

The UK's contribution involves supplying thousands of "first-person view" drones, enabling operators to have a clear understanding of the situation and target positions, armored vehicles, and ships. These drones have proven to be highly effective since Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years ago.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps stated, "The UK is committed to providing Ukraine with what it needs," ahead of a NATO meeting in Brussels on Thursday. Referring to the collaboration with Latvia, he added, "Together, we will equip Ukraine with the capabilities necessary to defend itself and triumph in this conflict."

During the NATO ministerial meeting, Britain, along with its 13 allies and potential member Sweden, is set to sign an agreement for two new procurement initiatives focused on munitions and missiles. Led by the UK, these initiatives aim to enhance defense industrial capacity across the Euro-Atlantic region and replenish depleted stockpiles due to the conflict in Ukraine.

France, Germany, and Turkey are among the countries participating in these procurement plans, according to a statement from the defense ministry. Additionally, Britain is collaborating with NATO members Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States to provide air-defense equipment to Ukraine, further strengthening the collective support for Ukraine's defense.