UK to give Ukraine 10,000 drones for Russia war

Russia Conflict

 During his visit to Kyiv, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps announced Britain's commitment to supplying Ukraine with over 10,000 drones to bolster its defense against Russia. The UK's additional investment of £125 million ($160 million) in cutting-edge drones brings the total drone package to £325 million ($415 million). This significant contribution aims to provide Ukraine's armed forces with essential resources throughout the year, including various types of drones such as first-person view, one-way attack, surveillance, and maritime drones.

Grant Shapps emphasized the UK's dedication to supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities by providing state-of-the-art drones sourced directly from Britain's leading defense industries. This marks the third visit of the Defence Secretary to Ukraine, where he engaged with Ukrainian officials including Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and President Volodymyr Zelensky. The commitment from Britain underscores its ongoing support to Ukraine since the onset of the crisis in February 2022, with a total military aid exceeding £7 billion. Moreover, the UK has played a pivotal role in training tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops and was the first nation to supply longer-range weapons, including air-launched Storm Shadow missiles, to the Ukrainian military.

The utilization of drones by Ukrainian troops has proven effective in the conflict, resulting in the destruction and damage of numerous Russian equipment and vehicles. This support comes at a crucial time as Kyiv faces challenges due to a shortage of manpower and weapons, with recent battlefield dynamics showing Russia's advancements. The influx of drones will provide Ukraine with enhanced capabilities to navigate the conflict and mitigate the pressure from Russian forces.

Overall, Britain's commitment to supplying drones signifies a strategic move to reinforce Ukraine's defense efforts and strengthen its position amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. The investment not only demonstrates solidarity with Ukraine but also highlights the UK's proactive stance in supporting international security and stability.