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UK Intensifies Support for Ukraine with Delivery of 30,000 Drones in 2025 Under International Coalition.
On January 9, 2025, the United Kingdom, in partnership with its allies, announced a significant military support initiative for Ukraine, involving the delivery of 30,000 advanced drones. This development, part of the International Drone Capability Coalition, stems from a £45 million contract co-led by the UK and Latvia. The announcement was made by UK Defence Secretary John Healey alongside Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds during the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
The introduction of 30,000 additional drones will further enhance Ukraine’s ability to gather intelligence and coordinate operations efficiently (Picture source: UK MoD)
These drones, funded by contributions from the UK, Denmark, the Netherlands, Latvia, and Sweden, are intended to enhance the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ operational capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Designed for reconnaissance and precision strike missions, these systems will enable Ukrainian forces to bypass Russian air defenses and effectively target enemy positions and armored vehicles. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to bolster European stability and safeguard UK national security, as emphasized by the Defence Secretary.
The International Drone Capability Coalition, launched in February 2024, was proposed by Latvia and jointly coordinated with the UK. It comprises 17 countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Italy, and Sweden, all working to supply various types of drones to Ukraine. The coalition operates a shared fund dedicated to procuring drones, issuing tenders to address specific military requirements. Additionally, member states provide bilateral support through financial contributions or direct equipment transfers.
The funding for these drones includes £7.5 million from the UK into the coalition’s common fund, bringing its total contribution to £15 million. Overall, the fund has raised approximately £73 million from coalition members. Additional support comes from £190 million newly committed to the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine, with new contributions from Portugal and Germany. Notable recent investments include £67 million from Denmark for air defense systems and drones, £59 million from Norway for specialized capabilities, and £43 million from Portugal for intelligence and reconnaissance drones.
Since taking office in July, the UK government has intensified its efforts to lead international support for Ukraine. This includes an annual commitment of £3 billion in military aid, supplemented in October by an additional £2.26 billion sourced from confiscated Russian assets. In December, during a visit to Kyiv, John Healey presented the UK’s Defense Plan for 2025, which aims to expand Ukraine’s military capacity, strengthen training programs, and foster greater defense industry collaboration with allied nations.
The use of drones has become a key element in the Ukrainian conflict, offering essential reconnaissance, surveillance, and attack capabilities. FPV (First Person View) drones, in particular, have proven transformative on the battlefield. Equipped with real-time video transmission, they allow operators to maneuver with precision and execute strikes against enemy positions and vehicles. Their speed and agility have made them a critical asset in countering Russian advances.
The introduction of 30,000 additional drones will further enhance Ukraine’s ability to gather intelligence and coordinate operations efficiently. By providing real-time battlefield data, these drones enable more informed tactical and strategic decision-making, supporting Ukraine’s efforts to sustain its defense and operational effectiveness. This coordinated approach highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing modern security challenges.