UK signs a €35 million deal to supply drones to Ukraine
Photo: The UK has signed a £30 million deal for the purchase of drones (Getty Images)
The UK has signed an agreement with an American technology company to supply barrage drones to Ukraine. The new drones will allow the Ukrainian Armed Forces to better counter Russian aggression, The Times reports.
According to the media outlet, the UK has signed a £30 million (over €35 million) deal with Anduril.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey visited the drone manufacturer's headquarters in Washington ahead of his meeting with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, which is set to take place later today.
It is reported that the International Fund for Ukraine, administered by the UK, will purchase Altius-600m and Altius-700m drones from Anduril. These drones are designed to monitor terrain before striking targets.
"We are determined to achieve a secure, lasting peace in Ukraine, which means putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position to prevent any return to Russian aggression," Healey said after signing the deal.
The Times notes that under this agreement, Ukraine's Armed Forces will receive more advanced strike drones to counter Russian aggression in the Black Sea. Ukraine is expected to receive drones, launchers, and spare parts in the coming months.
Support for Ukraine
Recently, Latvia supported investment in the production of Ukrainian drones. The Latvian Cabinet of Ministers approved an investment of €10 million ($10.69 million) in Ukraine’s drone industry.
Additionally, the Latvian government has allocated another €20 million ($21.37 million) this year for the purchase of drones under the Drone Coalition initiative.
Moreover, in mid-January, Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė announced that Ukraine would receive thousands of drones from Lithuania worth €5 million. Lithuania has also allocated €20 million for purchasing weapons in Ukraine for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
