UK to Manufacture Ukrainian Drones for Ukrainian Military
The United Kingdom and Ukraine have agreed to launch joint production of Ukrainian-designed drones to support the needs of Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, the agreement was reached on Monday during a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Under the three-year agreement, the UK government will fund procuring a wide range of Ukrainian drone models, which will be co-produced on British soil. The initiative is set to significantly boost the capacity of British defense companies to rapidly design and manufacture advanced drones at scale.
“Ukraine is a global leader in drone development and manufacturing, with new technologies emerging on average every six weeks,” the UK Ministry of Defence highlighted.
This collaboration marks a major step forward in strengthening defense innovation and deepening military-industrial cooperation between the two nations.
While the full-scale war with Russian invaders continues, all drone production will be directed toward meeting the needs of Ukraine’s Defense Forces, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umierov stated. However, the drones produced will be shared between the United Kingdom and Ukraine after the war ends.
This cooperation will help scale up advanced technologies, increase drone manufacturing capacity, and integrate the defense industries of both countries.
Initial agreements between Ukrainian and British defense companies are expected to be signed in the coming weeks.
The industrial partnership will enhance the exchange of information and expertise between the two sides, particularly in the field of air defense using drones. The agreement also paves the way for both countries to collaborate on developing future defense capabilities.
Battle-tested drones, to be manufactured in the United Kingdom, are expected to be supplied to Ukraine in large quantities to help continue resisting Russia’s brutal invasion.
“Pilot projects and subsequent orders will be funded through the UK’s £4.5 billion military support package for this year, along with the country’s commitment to provide £3 billion in annual military aid to Ukraine in the coming years,” the UK Ministry of Defence stated.
As previously reported, Germany and Canada have agreed to fund the expansion of the production of Ukrainian interceptor drones designed to counter Shahed drones. Meanwhile, the Norwegian government will finance the developing and production of naval drones within Ukraine.
