The UK has pledged 150,000 drones plus 350 air-defence missiles and ground radars for Ukraine, funded by a £752m tranche of a £2.26bn loan financed from profits on seized Russian assets. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis announced the package in Brussels at NATO and UDCG meetings, where he met President Zelensky. The equipment, which includes Ukrainian-made drones and lightweight multirole missiles, adds to 120,000 drones already delivered and aims to better protect civilians from Russian strikes.
UK Pledges 150,000 Drones and Air-Defence Package to Bolster Ukraine’s Defences
FILE PHOTO - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is presented with a drone during a visit to drone manufacturer Quantum Frontline Industries ahead of the Munich Security Conference. (is associated with: «UK to provide 150,000 drones to Ukraine as it steps up Russia strikes») Sven Hoppe/dpa
The UK has announced what it describes as its largest-ever drone and air-defence package for Ukraine: 150,000 drones plus 350 air-defence missiles and ground-based radar systems to be delivered by the end of the year.
What the Package Includes
The £752 million tranche — part of a £2.26 billion loan to Kyiv funded from profits on seized Russian assets — will finance Ukrainian-produced drones, lightweight multirole missiles and radar systems designed to help protect civilians and critical infrastructure from Russian strikes.
Where and When the Announcement Was Made
New UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis announced the pledge in Brussels at meetings of NATO defence ministers and the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG), where he also met President Volodymyr Zelensky. Jarvis co-chaired the 50-nation UDCG with his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius.
Dan Jarvis: "It is a privilege to attend my first NATO defence ministers meeting and to host the vital Ukraine Defence Contact Group with Germany. My priorities are to strengthen the alliance’s deterrence and defence, and continue to support Ukraine as they defend their nation against Russia’s brutal war of aggression. This package of drones, air-defence missiles and radars will help to protect innocent Ukrainian people from Putin’s barrage of drones and missiles."
Context
The new pledge builds on assistance already delivered: the UK said it had provided 120,000 drones to Ukraine by the end of March. The announcement comes amid intensified Ukrainian strikes, including a recent large drone attack on targets around Moscow that Russian officials say set a major oil refinery on fire and disrupted commercial flights. President Zelensky described that strike as a response to a recent Russian attack on Kyiv and part of efforts to push Moscow toward negotiations.
This package underscores the UK’s stated commitment to strengthening NATO deterrence and sustaining support for Ukraine as the conflict continues.
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