This significant support was announced by the UK Ministry of Defence.
Announcement Details
British Defence Secretary John Healy made the announcement alongside Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds during a meeting of the Defence Contact Group. The meeting took place on Thursday, January 9, at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
Funding and Contracts
According to the British Defence Ministry, the delivery of 30,000 drones to Ukraine will proceed following the establishment of an international "drone coalition" led by the UK and Latvia. The coalition has signed contracts totaling 45 million pounds sterling (approximately $55.3 million).
The funding for these drones is sourced from multiple countries, including:
- United Kingdom
- Denmark
- Netherlands
- Latvia
- Sweden
Previous Developments
June: Britain and Latvia, representing the "drone coalition," announced a tender for the supply of FPV unmanned aerial vehicles to Ukraine, valued at 352,000 euros.
July: Participating countries in the "drone coalition" signed a Memorandum of Understanding, creating a joint fund amounting to 45 million euros.
November: Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov revealed that the coalition countries would allocate 1.8 billion euros in 2025 to support Ukraine's defense forces.
December: Deputy Minister of Defence of Britain Luke Pollard stated that the "drone coalition" and the "maritime coalition," within the framework of the Ramstein format, would begin mass supplying Ukraine with various types of drones starting January. The scale of the supply is expected to reach tens of thousands of devices.
Impact and Significance
The infusion of 30,000 drones is poised to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities significantly. These drones will enhance surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations, providing Ukrainian forces with advanced technological support in their ongoing efforts.
Conclusion
The collaboration between the UK and its NATO allies underscores a strong commitment to supporting Ukraine through substantial military aid. The provision of 30,000 drones represents a critical component of Ukraine's defense strategy, aiming to strengthen its resilience and operational effectiveness in the face of ongoing challenges.
About the UK Ministry of Defence:
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is responsible for implementing the defense policy set by the government and is the headquarters of the British Armed Forces. The MoD works to ensure the security and defense of the United Kingdom and its interests worldwide.
