UK announces record £600m to strengthen Ukraine's air defence
The UK is allocating £600 million to strengthen Ukraine's air defence. This was announced by Defence Secretary John Healey at the opening of the meeting of the Ramstein Contact Group on Ukraine's Defence.
According to Healey, Russia has carried out about 20,000 attacks with drones and missiles over the past two months, so protecting Ukraine's skies in winter is a critical priority. The announced aid package is the UK's largest single investment in Ukraine's air defence.
The funding includes the delivery of thousands of air defence systems, missiles and automated turrets to destroy drones. Deliveries have already begun and will continue through 2026.
In addition, the UK will soon launch its own production of Octopus interceptor drones. We are talking about thousands of drones every month, which will be transferred to Ukraine to combat air threats.
Healey stressed that if the Kremlin decides to continue the war in 2026, the response of partners will be tougher. The Contact Group will only increase support and provide Ukraine with more weapons.