Most of UK military aid to Ukraine consisted of old equipment, auditors say
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Much of the military aid provided by the UK to Ukraine consisted of old equipment. For example, army boots that would otherwise have had to be disposed of, according to the UK National Audit Office.
At the same time, the UK Ministry of Defense sent equipment that was subject to recycling or replacement, considering it directly valuable to Ukraine. This reduced waste and disposal costs.
To find additional equipment, the UK resorted to innovative methods, such as rebuilding spare tracks for Soviet T-72 tanks using samples from a museum.
Amid nearly three years of war, some of Ukraine's Western allies are showing support fatigue. However, the UK continues to be one of the largest providers of aid to Kyiv, with €9.07 billion, behind only the US (€65.7 billion) and Germany (€18.85 billion). London has pledged to continue to assist at the level of €3.5 billion a year.
Although much of the old equipment had a low book value (€200 million), it would cost the UK €3.16 billion to replace it. So far, London has spent another €2.81 billion on new equipment, €585 million on an international fund, and €970 million on operational support, partly through NATO.
The head of the UK National Audit Office, Gareth Davies, stressed the need to maintain a balance between supporting Ukraine and ensuring the UK's defense capability. The National Audit Office also expressed concern about the lack of training for Ukrainian recruits, especially in countering drones.
Despite some limitations, the report praised the work of the UK Ministry of Defense, noting its success in speeding up the procurement of equipment, such as an air defense system that was delivered in just six weeks.
UK assistance to Ukraine
The United Kingdom was one of the first countries to provide military assistance to Ukraine after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. London provided the Ukrainian army with modern Challenger 2 tanks, armored personnel carriers, and other types of weapons, significantly strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities.
The UK decided to openly recognize the use of its weapons by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region of Russia.
