The UK government announced on Wednesday (June 4) that it will invest £350 million (approximately $473 million) to provide up to 100,000 drones to Ukraine by April 2026, a tenfold increase in aid compared to the previous year. This marks the largest ever drone military assistance from the UK to Ukraine and is part of a £4.5 billion ($60.8 billion) military support plan for Ukraine for the year.
UK Defense Secretary John Healey stated in a press release that drones have effectively changed the dynamics of the battlefield, possessing greater lethality than artillery on the front lines. The UK will also expand Ukrainian military training and critical ammunition supply.
To achieve the delivery target of 100,000 drones, the UK is collaborating with multiple small and medium-sized defense companies to mass-produce a variety of drones with attack, anti-aircraft, and anti-jamming capabilities.
These include first-person view (FPV) drones that can accurately hit Russian military positions, specialized anti-missile and anti-drone air defense models, as well as reconnaissance drones that reduce electronic interference through fiber optic cables.
Some drones also have low-cost bombing capabilities, capable of causing damage to enemy equipment. UK intelligence indicates that drones have become the primary lethal weapon on the front lines, with around 60% to 70% of destroyed Russian equipment attributed to bombing drones and FPV drones.
The UK Ministry of Defense emphasizes that this action will also promote the development of UK unmanned systems technology, strengthening national defense self-reliance and export competitiveness.
Prior to the UK’s announcement of expanding drone aid, the Ukrainian military had already demonstrated the tactical value of drones on the battlefield.
On June 1, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) launched “Operation Cobweb”, hiding 117 remote-controlled drones in trucks and infiltrating Russian territory, raiding four air bases and reportedly destroying or damaging 41 Russian military aircraft.
This long-range coordinated strike is seen as a prime example of Ukraine’s new military strategy, showcasing the significant destructive power that low-cost drones, in combination with intelligence and stealth technology, can wield.
Healey said, “We learn lessons every day from the Ukrainian battlefield, and UK companies are leveraging these experiences to develop advanced drones, not only protecting Ukrainian civilians but also enhancing our own national security.”
Earlier this week, the UK government released the “Strategic Defence Review” report, which highlighted the critical role of technology in modern warfare, as underscored by the Ukrainian conflict.
The report calls for the military to enhance the development and deployment of autonomous systems and drones to address potential threats from Russia and others. The UK has committed over £4 billion to developing artificial intelligence, autonomous combat platforms, and next-generation drones.
Healey stated that the UK military will combine drones, AI, and traditional armored forces to create combat capabilities with “ten times the lethality”.
Defense investments are also viewed as part of the UK’s “Plan for Change”, which aims to strengthen defense capabilities, drive industry upgrades, and technology exports to maintain a global leading position. The UK government has also reiterated its commitment to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.
On Wednesday, the UK and Germany jointly chaired the “Ukraine Defense Coordination Group” (UDCG) meeting in Brussels, bringing together representatives from 50 countries to coordinate military aid actions.
During the meeting, the UK announced that since January this year, it has delivered 140,000 rounds of ammunition to Ukraine and will invest an additional £247 million to further expand training for Ukrainian troops, continuing the plan that has trained over 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers since 2022.
Furthermore, the UK will add £40 million to the NATO Trust Fund “Ukraine Security Assistance and Training Mission” (NSATU) to purchase fuel, parts, and supplies. The UK emphasizes that amidst global supply chain tensions, stable sources of firepower and supplies will be crucial to the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine.