LONDON

The UK and Ukraine are set to announce a new security and defense partnership aimed at countering the global spread of low‑cost, high‑tech military hardware, including drones, during a visit in London on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Downing Street, where the two leaders are expected to agree to an enhanced security and defense industrial declaration.

A 10 Downing Street statement said the agreement will combine Ukraine’s battlefield expertise with the UK’s industrial base to accelerate the manufacture and export of drones, electronic warfare systems and other cutting‑edge capabilities.

Dubbed a “world‑leading” collaboration, the deal also looks beyond bilateral cooperation.

Officials say it will explore “opportunities for increased defense industrial and technological cooperation with third countries, boosting international security and ensuring the latest defense technology is in the hands of those who need it most.”

A key strand of the partnership will be the creation of an AI Centre of Excellence within the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.

The center will help Ukraine harness artificial intelligence to gain battlefield advantages, while British forces benefit from lessons learned.

Starmer said the agreement reflects a shared security imperative.

“We must work in lockstep with our partners and allies to deliver security at home and abroad, and this new partnership with Ukraine will do just that,” he said, citing the importance of drones, electronic warfare and rapid battlefield innovation in modern conflict.

Defense Secretary John Healey described the initiative as a boost to European security. “Ukraine’s military expertise is defending against Putin’s brutal attacks and boosting European security,” he said, adding that the UK aims to make “2026 the year this war ends.”

Starmer will also host NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss progress towards a just and lasting peace, continued support for Ukraine and sustained sanctions pressure on Russia.