The United Kingdom has committed to a tenfold increase in the number of unmanned systems it plans to send to Ukraine. The British government’s latest pledge is part of the nation’s $6.1 billion military support for 2025.
In a statement posted Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence said that after delivering over 10,000 drones to Kyiv in 2024, the government is considering possibly providing the Ukrainian armed forces with 100,000 more unmanned aerial systems. It said the commitment will boost small to medium-sized businesses and jobs across Britain.
According to the MoD, drones have played a vital part in the Ukraine-Russia war, with Ukrainian warfighters turning to the technology to defend their nation’s borders. The ministry cited data from the U.K. Defence Intelligence that reveals UAS contributes to more casualties than artillery on the frontline in Ukraine.
London’s latest announcement comes as British Secretary of State for Defence John Healey hosts Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov at the upcoming meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, where European leaders are expected to discuss Kyiv’s needs, including training and other military equipment.
“This investment will help keep us secure at home and strong abroad while ensuring the U.K. is a world leader in rapidly developing drone technology,” Healey said.