Ukraine and UK to produce 1,000 Octopus interceptor drones per month – MFA
Illustrative photo: Ukraine and the United Kingdom produce Octopus drones (mod.gov.ua)
Ukraine and the United Kingdom are expanding their cooperation, particularly in the joint production of Octopus interceptor drones, this was announced by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, according to the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.
During a forum marking the anniversary of the signing of the historic 100-year partnership agreement between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, Andrii Sybiha emphasized that security, economy, and politics are the three key dimensions of cooperation between the two countries.
"The United Kingdom has taken on a long-term commitment to military support for Ukraine. This involves more than UAH 170 billion annually for our defense in the coming, most critical years," he said.
According to the minister, starting in February, Ukraine and the UK will begin monthly production of thousands of Octopus interceptor drones.
Sybiha called the partnership between Ukraine and the United Kingdom "a true alliance for indivisible European security and a shared future."
He also highlighted that the UK has imposed sanctions on more than 540 tankers that were circumventing the price cap on Russian oil and supplying "fuel to Russia’s military machine."
Octopus interceptor drone
The Ukrainian Octopus interceptor drone was developed to counter Shahed-type attack drones and other aerial targets.
The project was implemented by Ukrainian military engineers with the support of British specialists. Development took about two years and involved engineering units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, and international partners.
In October 2025, the drone was presented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a meeting in London.
At the same time, in late November, Ukraine and the United Kingdom signed an agreement under which interceptor drones began to be produced on British territory.
