The UK has announced a tenfold increase in its drone deliveries to Ukraine, stepping up its military support in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. Unveiled at a 50-nation Ukraine summit held at NATO headquarters, the plan will see Britain deliver 100,000 drones to Ukraine this financial year – a leap from 10,000 delivered in 2024.
Part of a wider defence package
Backed by a record £350 million investment, the initiative is part of the UK’s £4.5 billion defence package for Ukraine in 2025. Defence Secretary John Healey said the surge in drones — many developed by British SMEs – is helping Ukraine “drive back Russian attacks” and saving lives on the frontline.
This comes amid growing recognition of drones’ pivotal role in modern warfare. Defence Intelligence has confirmed that drone strikes now cause more frontline casualties than artillery in Ukraine. The UK’s drone provision includes first-person view (FPV) attack drones, air defence interceptors, and fibre-optic drones resistant to jamming – all developed with battlefield conditions in mind.
Not just drones
In addition to drones, the UK has delivered 140,000 artillery munitions to Ukraine since January and pledged a further £247 million for training Ukrainian troops, continuing Operation Interflex. Over 55,000 recruits have received training in the UK since 2022, supported by 13 partner nations.
The announcement coincides with the government’s Strategic Defence Review, which earmarks over £4 billion for autonomous systems for the British Armed Forces. Healey said the investment not only helps Ukraine but also ensures “the UK is a world leader in rapidly developing drone technology.”
Continued support for Ukraine
The Defence Secretary also pledged £40 million to NATO’s NSATU mission to support Ukraine with logistics, spare parts, and consumables.
As Ukraine faces renewed Russian offensives and threats to its supply lines, the UK’s expanded drone programme underscores both military solidarity and a strategic industrial shift towards cutting-edge battlefield technologies.
