The United Kingdom is dispatching its largest-ever package of drones to Ukraine, delivering a significant setback to Russian President Vladimir Putin. New Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis made the announcement as thick black smoke billowed over Moscow following a Ukrainian drone barrage targeting the Russian capital.
Massive Drone Package Details
Britain will provide 150,000 drones, 350 air defence missiles, and radar systems to Ukraine by the end of this year. The equipment is funded by a £752 million tranche of a £2.26 billion loan to Kyiv, financed using profits from seized Russian assets. These Ukrainian-produced drones, lightweight multi-role missiles, and ground-based radar systems are designed to help Ukraine counter Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure.
Defence Secretary's Statement
Mr Jarvis made the announcement during meetings of NATO defence ministers and the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) in Brussels, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Co-chairing the 50-nation UDCG with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius, Mr Jarvis stated: "It is a privilege to attend my first NATO defence ministers meeting and host the vital Ukraine defence contact group with Germany. For 75 years, NATO has been the cornerstone of the UK’s security. My priorities are to strengthen the alliance’s deterrence and defence, and continue to support Ukraine as they defend their nation against Russia’s brutal war of aggression. This package of drones, air defence missiles and radars will help to protect innocent Ukrainian people from Putin’s barrage of drones and missiles."
Context of Drone Attacks
The drone package supplements the 120,000 drones the UK had already delivered to Ukraine by the end of March. On Thursday, Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow since the war began over four years ago, targeting locations around the capital. The assault set a major oil refinery ablaze and disrupted commercial flights at Moscow airports. President Zelensky stated the attack was retaliation for last week's Russian assault on Kyiv and part of his strategy to compel Putin to negotiate as the front-line war of attrition continues.
Mr Jarvis was appointed Defence Secretary last week following the resignation of John Healey amid a dispute over the yet-to-be-published defence investment plan.
