Ukraine and the United Kingdom are advancing new defence projects in aviation, air defence, counter-drone capabilities, and UAV development.

The announcement was made by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence. 

 

Ukraine and the United Kingdom are preparing new defence initiatives aimed at strengthening aviation capabilities, countering Russian drone attacks, and advancing unmanned aerial systems. 

Ukraine and the United Kingdom are working to establish a long-term and mutually beneficial defense partnership.

Key areas of cooperation include strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, enhancing its aviation capabilities, countering Russian attack drones, and procuring Ukrainian-made drones for the country’s Defense Forces.

These issues were discussed during the first conversation between Ukraine’s Acting Minister of Defense, Yevhenii Khmara, and the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Defence, Wes Streeting.

Yevhenii Khmara congratulated the British official on his appointment and expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom for its consistent, large-scale, and unwavering support for Ukraine in its resistance to Russian aggression.

Strengthening the Protection of Ukraine’s Skies 

The main focus of the talks was on further steps to strengthen the defense of Ukraine’s airspace.

Ukraine expects the United Kingdom’s support in implementing a project to acquire Gripen fighter jets and Meteor air-to-air missiles for them. These capabilities are expected to become a key element in countering Russian aviation and enhancing Ukraine’s ability to protect its cities and civilians from enemy attacks.

Another critical priority is the continued supply of munitions for F-16 fighter aircraft. One of the key objectives set by the President of Ukraine is to ensure the protection of the Black Sea grain corridor from Russian strikes. Achieving this goal requires Ukraine to possess robust and modern air capabilities.

Missiles to Counter Shahed Drones

The two ministers also devoted particular attention to capabilities for countering Russian attack drones.

As Russia continues to increase its use of jet-powered Shahed drones, swift decisions and support from international partners in this area could have a direct impact on saving Ukrainian lives and strengthening the protection of the country’s critical infrastructure.

Ukrainian Drones Under the ERA Loan Mechanism

The two sides also discussed the possibility of procuring Ukrainian-made drones for the Defense Forces through the ERA Loan mechanism, financed with proceeds generated from frozen Russian assets.

The initiative includes the development and procurement of interceptor drones, as well as middle-strike and deep-strike systems, which are expected to further enhance the operational capabilities of Ukraine’s military on the battlefield.

Yevhenii Khmara thanked the United Kingdom for its leadership in supporting Ukraine and for its commitment to advancing defense cooperation to a new level between the two countries.

As previously reported by ArmyInform, Ukraine is seeking to accelerate the delivery of missiles for Patriot air defense systems, expand joint weapons production, and deepen cooperation with the United States in the field of unmanned systems.