The UK has announced a £600 million package of air-defence support for Ukraine, including automated counter-drone turrets and additional missile systems, as Russia continues to target energy infrastructure through the winter.
The Ministry of Defence said more than 1,000 UK-built air-defence missiles have already been delivered to Ukraine since June, marking the largest single-year British investment in air defence for Kyiv. The latest package includes new systems designed to counter Shahed-type one-way attack drones, alongside further deliveries of British-developed air-defence platforms.
Among the capabilities being transferred are remotely operated counter-drone turrets, acquired from Estonia, which are intended to provide a lower-cost way of defeating large numbers of attack drones. These systems are expected to be delivered in 2026 and form part of Ukraine’s longer-term defensive posture. The UK is also handing over five RAVEN air-defence systems announced earlier this year, while the first GRAVEHAWK systems, revealed in January, are now entering service to help protect critical infrastructure from deep-strike missile attacks.
The announcement coincided with a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, co-chaired by Defence Secretary John Healey and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius. The virtual meeting brought together representatives from around 50 nations, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, to assess Ukraine’s military requirements for 2026 and coordinate future equipment deliveries.
In addition to complete systems, the UK has delivered more than 250,000 rounds of air-defence ammunition in 2025, alongside a final tranche of 650 Lightweight Multirole Missiles, which ministers say are already playing a key role in countering drones and cruise missiles.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the package was critical as Ukraine defends its towns, cities and energy networks, adding that Britain’s support is intended to put Ukraine “in the strongest possible position to secure peace”. He also pointed to the recently announced UK-Ukraine “Octopus” initiative, which will see interceptor drones manufactured in Britain for use on the front line, offering a cheaper alternative to traditional air-defence missiles.
Terrahawk paladin as well.
So British industry has the skills for GBAD.
It is good to see British emergency innovation is still as flourishing as usual. Just a shame it tends to take an emergency for it to flourish, rather than stymied by Committees and lack of investment.
Any underwater drones?
As an island nation with a very long maritime tradition you would have thought we would be at the very forefront of maritime drone developement and implementation, but it doesn’t seem to be the case.
Off topic, the DIP is now promised “after January 5, 2026.” So sometime next year.
Apparently, getting the Treasury to agree the cost is proving an issue. Who’d have thought.
Funny what they can find money for though isn’t it?
They should have the 90 remaining operational Challenger tanks; there isn’t even an armored brigade left. They’re better off in Ukraine.
can find monney and kit for Ukraine but not our own army, says it all