Ukraine and the United Kingdom have deepened their defence alliance by jointly producing long-range drones.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the agreement aims to “stop Russian terror and force Russia into peace”.
“Collaboration in this area will allow Ukraine to receive stable funding for important projects, particularly the production of interceptor drones and long-range drones,” he posted to X.
“There is a good outcome from today’s meeting – an additional decision on joint production.”
Technology data sets from Ukraine’s front lines will be plugged into U.K. production lines, allowing them to rapidly design and build cutting-edge military equipment.
“By harnessing Ukraine’s battlefield innovation and combining it with British industrial strength, we are not only accelerating support for Ukraine’s defence, we are also delivering security for working people through our Plan for Change,” U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.
“This agreement is not just about today’s fight, it’s about building the defence capabilities of tomorrow, together.”
The agreement will not only boost Ukraine’s defence through drones being produced quicker for their frontlines, but will also support British jobs over the next three years.
The U.K. is also set to allocate £280m of bilateral assistance to Ukraine for the financial year 2025-2026 to ensure Ukrainians have vital support throughout the war with Russia.
This boosts the U.K.’s non-military support for Ukraine to over £5bn since Russia invaded.
The pilots and subsequent orders will be funded through the UK’s £4.5 billion of military support this year and the U.K.’s commitment to provide £3bn a year of military support to Ukraine in future years.
While visiting the U.K., Zelenskyy also met and spoke with Ukrainian defenders undergoing Operation Interflex training.
“Thanks to the support of the United Kingdom, around 58,000 people have completed training as part of Interflex. The program is now in its third year, with 13 countries having joined the effort,” Zelenskyy posted to X.
“In a few weeks, our warriors will complete their training and head out to defend Ukraine. I am confident that each and every one of you will demonstrate the same dignity on the front lines as you have during training in the UK.”
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