The UK government has announced an unprecedented £4.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine, reinforcing its unwavering commitment to supporting Kyiv in the face of continued Russian aggression.
The funding will not only bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities but also create significant opportunities for the UK’s defence industry.
Revival of Artillery Production in Yorkshire
For the first time in almost two decades, a Yorkshire-based company will manufacture artillery barrels following a £61 million contract awarded to BAE Systems. The collaboration, involving Sheffield Forgemasters, will produce barrel forgings in the UK before sending them to Ukraine for final integration.
This initiative is part of the UK’s expanded military support, which includes a £3 billion commitment for lethal aid in 2025. Additionally, £1.5 billion from a £2.26 billion G7 loan, to be repaid using profits from immobilised Russian sovereign assets, will fund procurement projects critical to Ukraine’s defence efforts.
New Air Defence Systems
Among the UK’s key contributions is the Gravehawk air defence system, a groundbreaking UK-Denmark collaboration. Designed to retrofit air-to-air missiles for ground-based defence, the shipping-container-sized system has been specifically tailored to meet Ukraine’s needs.
Following successful tests in Ukraine last September, 15 additional units will be delivered this year to strengthen the country’s ability to protect its cities, troops, and infrastructure.
Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the importance of these efforts, stating:
“This new package of support will help strengthen Ukraine’s position on the battlefield or at any negotiating table.”
Expanding Training Programmes
Building on the success of Operation Interflex, which trained over 51,000 Ukrainian recruits, the UK will expand its training offer. Ukrainian officer cadets will be hosted at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, while British cadets will attend training in Ukraine, fostering stronger military ties and exchanging invaluable battlefield knowledge.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment, stating:
“Ukraine’s security is our security. We must continue to do everything possible to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest position.”
Economic and Strategic Impact
The aid package not only reinforces Ukraine’s defence capabilities but also invigorates the UK’s defence sector, creating jobs and supporting economic growth. These initiatives align with the government’s Plan for Change, which focuses on enhancing national security and strengthening Britain’s industrial base.
The £2.26 billion G7 loan, enabled by forthcoming UK legislation, will support Ukraine’s military procurement, ensuring it can invest in cutting-edge equipment, including British-made systems.
A Clear Message of Support
Amid relentless Russian bombardment, the UK’s actions send a strong message of solidarity. The rapid development and deployment of advanced systems like Gravehawk and the revival of artillery manufacturing highlight the UK’s dedication to aiding Ukraine while bolstering its own defence industry.
As Ukraine continues its fight, the UK’s comprehensive support package promises to strengthen its resilience both on the battlefield and in negotiations, reaffirming the UK’s role as a steadfast ally.
As a Sheffielder myself, I approve.
Yes it is good to see the UK regenerating production capability. Perhaps we can design and manufacture our owb tank guns again….
Well quite.
Spending money on getting UK industrial output up from tick over levels is very valuable.
Now if only we could find £4.5Bn down the back of the sofa to fund similar for ourselves….
Mind you Mad Vlad is providing free targets to shoot at and UKR are happy to test our missiles by shooting them down.
Good. Helps an ally and increases spend on defence in the UK. Everyone wins
Dear Prime Minister Starmer,
I am writing to commend you for the bold and decisive actions announced in your recent military aid package for Ukraine. The commitment of £4.5 billion in military assistance underscores a profound recognition that Ukraine’s security is inextricably linked to our own national interests, especially in light of the ongoing threat posed by Russian aggression under Vladimir Putin.
As we face the possibility of a shift in leadership in the United States with the return of Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, it is crucial that Europe remains resolute in its support for Ukraine. The specter of Putin potentially tightening his grip on Ukraine, coupled with Trump’s tacit approval, could drastically alter the landscape of European security. The strategy of merely providing Ukraine with tools for limited defence while keeping the bulk of military assets in the hands of non-engaged European forces is a perilous approach that could leave us ill-prepared for a direct confrontation.
Your government’s provision of vital military training and advanced systems, such as the innovative Gravehawk air defence unit, as well as the revival of artillery production capabilities in Yorkshire, are steps in the right direction. However, to ensure that Ukraine can decisively defeat its aggressor, more must be done. It is imperative that training of Ukrainian forces on advanced combat aircraft be expedited, including the F35, Typhoon, Rafael, and Gripen fighter jets. This initiative should have been in place a year ago, further highlighting the urgency of our collective efforts.
It is clear that for the war to come to a conclusion and for true security to be established in Europe, Ukraine must not only be strengthened but must also emerge victorious. This means removing Vladimir Putin from power and paving the way for a reconfiguration of Russia that prevents it from threatening its neighbours and undermining the stability of Europe in the future. Such an outcome would help invoke a new framework for peace and cooperation on the continent.
Your leadership in enhancing military cooperation and support for Ukraine at this critical juncture sends a powerful message of solidarity. The revival of the UK’s defence sector and the commitment to share our military expertise significantly bolster Ukraine’s position, not just on the battlefield but also in future negotiations. It is imperative that this momentum is maintained.
Thank you for your steadfast support and for recognising the vital importance of Ukraine’s struggle. Together, we must continue to champion a future free from tyranny and aggression.
Yours sincerely,
We see it for what it is BUT most of the media doesn’t! There are already questions as to why we are giving that much when it could be spent here.
The fact it benefits us in the long run is completely lost on them!
Good news but when will the British army get artillery aid since it hardly has any left?
We still have an Army?
Rob, fair point. Todays ‘i’ newspaper reports that the reg army is too small to do an enduring peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, post-hostilities.
What about to improve tbe british armed forces?
Non sense at all when they,re nearly scrapped.
Does this come from the foreign aid budget? or from the our defence budget?
“ Among the UK’s key contributions is the Gravehawk air defence system, a groundbreaking UK-Denmark collaboration. Designed to retrofit air-to-air missiles for ground-based defence, the shipping-container-sized system has been specifically tailored to meet Ukraine’s needs.”
So containerised Sea Ceptor is a thing?
Can’t imagine that this is anything much else?
I would imagine it’s ASSRAM, shed loads of them around to be fired off and it’s UK industry that builds more… if it was me I would be recapitalising the entire RAF stock and send all the old stuff to Ukraine to be shot off.
“ Among the UK’s key contributions is the Gravehawk air defence system, a groundbreaking UK-Denmark collaboration. Designed to retrofit air-to-air missiles for ground-based defence, the shipping-container-sized system has been specifically tailored to meet Ukraine’s needs.”
So containerised Sea Ceptor is a thing?
Can’t imagine that this is anything much else?
It says it uses missiles already in their possession, so either ASRAAM or some of the old Russian missiles.
Still, if it carries enough reloads then some sort of twin arm ASRAAM launcher would be great.
I don’t think that rules out CAMM.
Containerised is definitely the way to go on this.
When the original Supacat ASRAAM came out I sort of mocked up in my head what a containerised version would look like.
You would put a twin arm launcher at one end of the footprint, with long rails (like Sea Dart) to facilitate reloading.
The other half of the space is built up to the height of the launcher, and includes a horizontal cassette magazine with folding sensors on top.
The launcher pedestal can be positioned right at the end of the platform, because for transport it doesn’t need missiles on it and can be trained vertically.
If the magazine is sufficiently blast proof, 360 degree firing can be achieved with elevation in firing.
The whole setup is reminiscent of Sea Slug, but with the long prep rooms replaced by the rotary magazine.
I thought it was for their missiles as well?
This Gravehawk thing sounds particularly interesting.
Is it an evolution of the Supacat/ASRAAM mashup, refined into a container footprint?
Or is it designed to use up Ukraine’s stocks of old Soviet missiles?
I think Ukraine has stocks of old Soviet R-60 and R-73 I/R missiles.
Those would be the ones.
Not sure how capable they’d be against glide bombs and drones, though.
ASRAAM is probably quite good even against cold targets because of the sensor resolution.
The UK, US and other countries militaries are involved in Ukraine, so paying them a few quid to do the fighting for us, is cheaper in the long term. And that, is why there will be **ck all investment by the UK into its own military for the next 12 months, if not longer.
Well if the UK has the plans and capabilities to make a quick ASSRAM based GBADS that’s pretty good to have in your back pocket if a war did happen.. a cost effective missile the RAF have a lot of.