UK delivered more than 85,000 military drones to Ukraine over past six months - UK Ministry of Defence
Illustrative photo: the United Kingdom strengthened Ukraine’s defense by delivering 85,000 drones in six months (Getty Images)
Thanks to the ramp-up in production by British companies, the United Kingdom has delivered over 85,000 military drones to Ukraine within six months, accelerating support for the front lines, according to a publication by the UK government.
The United Kingdom’s deliveries to Ukraine include tens of thousands of short-range FPV combat drones used for reconnaissance, precision strikes and suppressing enemy activity beyond the front line. The production surge was enabled by close cooperation among British firms and major investments in the defence industry.
This year, the UK has invested £600 million to accelerate drone deliveries to Ukraine as part of a record £4.5 billion aid package for regional defence and security; the funds have also helped preserve jobs in both Britain and Ukraine.
New interceptor drones, dubbed Octopus, are being developed to counter Iran-made Shahed strike drones. About 35,000 interception systems are expected to be delivered to Ukraine in the coming months, and battlefield experience is being used to refine technologies and speed up fielding.
A first-of-its-kind industrial partnership has been signed to develop prototype drones for protecting critical infrastructure and civilians, and British experts plan deployments to Moldova to train local counter-drone forces.
British Defence Secretary John Healey has stressed that ramping up drone production and modernising air defences are necessary to counter the escalating Russian threat to Ukraine and Europe. The Royal Air Force continues to participate in Operation Eastern Guard, patrolling Poland’s airspace and demonstrating commitment to collective security.
Active production and deliveries, the roll-out of new technologies and allied training underscore Britain’s strategic choice to strengthen Ukraine’s defence and stabilise the Euro-Atlantic region.
Separately, the UK has announced £20 million (about $27 million) in aid for water, sanitation and hygiene in the Gaza Strip, to be channelled through UNICEF, the World Food Programme and the Norwegian Refugee Council to help populations suffering from hunger and disease.
Ukraine and the UK have also agreed on joint development and production of interceptor drones designed to neutralise massed Shahed attacks that Russia employs against Ukrainian targets daily.
