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United Kingdom and Anduril Strike New Deal to Supply Advanced Attack Drones to Ukraine.
The UK government has entered into a new agreement with Anduril UK to supply advanced attack drones to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These drones, designed to assist Ukraine in countering Russian aggression, will play a pivotal role in operations in the Black Sea.
This deal includes the provision of Altius 600m and Altius 700m drones. (Picture source: Anduril)
This deal, worth nearly £30 million, includes the provision of Altius 600m and Altius 700m drones, loitering munitions designed to monitor an area before striking targets that enter it. These cutting-edge drones will enhance Ukraine's ability to conduct precise strikes while maintaining a strategic advantage in the ongoing conflict.
The announcement follows a visit by UK Defence Secretary John Healey to Anduril's facilities in Washington D.C. Healey's visit, which occurred ahead of a meeting with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, underscores the UK's continued commitment, along with its allies, to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. The UK remains determined to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position to negotiate a secure and lasting peace.
As part of this initiative, the drones, launchers, and essential spare parts are expected to be delivered to Ukraine in the coming months. The deal is managed by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the procurement arm of the UK Ministry of Defence, under the framework of the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU). This fund, now exceeding £1.3 billion, includes contributions from several allied nations, with the UK committing £500 million.
In addition to the drones, the UK continues to provide substantial military and financial support to Ukraine. Over the past year, the UK has committed more than £5.26 billion in aid, including £3 billion per year in military support and £2.26 billion in loans for military spending, all aimed at enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities.
Dr. Rich Drake, Managing Director of Anduril UK and Europe, expressed pride in collaborating with the UK government to deliver these vital capabilities. He highlighted the company's commitment to developing and deploying technologies that meet the urgent needs of the UK and its allies. The rapid delivery of these drones to Ukraine emphasizes the company's ability to respond quickly to evolving defense challenges.
This deal is part of the ongoing initiative announced in January, in which 30,000 drones will be sent to Ukraine by the international Drone Capability Coalition, co-led by the UK and Latvia. The UK's role in this coalition highlights its leadership in providing advanced military technologies to support Ukraine.
The UK's continued military support to Ukraine aligns with broader defense priorities, including the recent decision by the UK government to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, marking the largest sustained increase in defense spending since the Cold War. This commitment reflects the UK's strategic focus on ensuring national security while stimulating economic growth through defense-related investments.
The agreement with Anduril UK is also part of a broader collaboration between the UK and US armed forces, with both nations continuing to align their defense operations worldwide. From the fight against Daesh in the Middle East to joint maritime security efforts in the Indo-Pacific, the UK and US are strengthening their defense ties in multiple regions.
This announcement coincides with the UK receiving the final batch of 50 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, one of the most advanced attack helicopters in the world. The delivery of these helicopters supports over 300 jobs in the UK, underscoring how defense investments contribute to the growth of the UK economy.
In addition to military support, the UK is deepening its defense ties with the US through exercises such as Exercise Red Flag, where the UK, US, and Australian air forces conducted high-intensity combat training. These joint exercises demonstrate the strong military relationship between the two nations and their shared commitment to global security.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the UK's support remains steadfast. With advanced drones, enhanced defense capabilities, and continued financial aid, Ukraine is better equipped to defend its sovereignty and move closer to a lasting peace.