UK announces deployment of 30,000 drones to Ukraine

LONDON

The UK reaffirmed its leadership in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression with Defense Secretary John Healey announcing Thursday that 30,000 drones will be sent to the country under a £45 million ($55 million) contract.

Healey made the announcement at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany alongside Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds.

The drones, funded by the International Drone Capability Coalition co-led by the UK and Latvia, will enhance Ukraine’s uncrewed surveillance and attack capabilities, according to a statement by the British government.

The coalition includes contributions from Denmark, the Netherlands, Latvia and Sweden, with the UK committing £15 million to the initiative so far.

"These state-of-the-art, first-person view drones will help Ukraine fight against Russian aggression, allowing Ukraine’s Armed Forces to maneuver past Russian air defenses to target enemy positions and armored vehicles," the statement said.

Healey emphasized the importance of the initiative.

“The fierce courage of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire the world, and this meeting of more than 50 nations sends a clear message to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin about the international community’s unwavering support for Ukraine,” he said.

He reiterated the UK’s long-term commitment to Ukraine, pledging £3 billion annually in military aid.

“Our commitment to provide £3 billion a year of military aid for as long as it takes will ensure Ukraine can defend itself and is essential to protect the security of the UK – because the defense of the UK starts in Ukraine,” Healey said.