UK to Supply More Than 10,000 Drones to Ukraine Worth £325 Million

Defense News ,U.K :-  Today, the United Kingdom has pledged a comprehensive package of GBP 325 million to enhance Ukraine's defense against Putin's illegal invasion, focusing on state-of-the-art drone technology.

The investment, set to provide more than 10,000 drones for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, leverages the UK's leading defense industries to deliver advanced drone capabilities throughout 2024.

Defence Secretary, on his third visit to Ukraine, made the announcement during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine.

This funding, an increase from the Prime Minister's £200 million drone package in January, will deliver a variety of uncrewed platforms. These include over 10,000 first-person view (FPV) drones, 1000 one-way attack drones developed in the UK, surveillance drones, and maritime drones.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have gained attention for their effective use of drones, causing significant damage to Russian equipment and vehicles. Particularly, FPV drones have shown exceptional maneuverability, enabling operators to control movements in real-time and bypass Russian air defenses, striking targets with precision.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion, these drones have played a crucial role in providing situational awareness, targeting enemy positions, and effectively striking Russia's Navy. With over £100 million allocated for maritime capabilities, Ukraine aims to assert control in the Black Sea.

Following a recent meeting of the US-led Ukraine Defence Contact Group involving over 50 countries supporting Ukraine militarily, the Defence Secretary announced that the UK, along with Latvia, will co-lead an international coalition to enhance Ukraine's drone capabilities.