UK pledges major aid package: £245 Mn to enhance Ukraine's artillery arsenal.

The UK will spend £245 million throughout the next year to procure and invigorate supply chains to produce urgently needed artillery ammunition for Ukraine, the British Government announced on 24 February.
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The United Kingdom has announced a significant investment of £245 million over the next year to bolster supply chains and procure urgently needed artillery ammunition for Ukraine (Picture source: UK MoD)

The United Kingdom has announced a significant investment of £245 million over the next year to bolster supply chains and procure urgently needed artillery ammunition for Ukraine. This move comes on the second anniversary of Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the critical role of artillery in Ukraine's defense strategy. Ukraine's effective use of artillery, including counter-battery fire aided by UK-supplied drones and radar systems, has been pivotal in degrading Russian forces and preventing significant breakthroughs.

The UK has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine's Armed Forces (AFU) for a decade, providing extensive training and financial aid totaling nearly £12 billion since 2022, following Russia's initial invasion of Crimea in 2014. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed the delivery of additional Brimstone anti-tank missiles to the AFU, bringing the total to over 1,300. This underscores the UK's commitment to supporting Ukraine with modern military equipment.

Shapps emphasized Ukraine's resilience and successes in pushing back Russian invaders, reclaiming territory, and significantly degrading Russian capabilities. Additionally, the UK has signed contracts with Cook Defence Systems to provide spare tracks for tanks and armored vehicles, supporting vehicle recovery efforts and creating jobs in the UK.

Internationally, the UK is co-leading efforts to supply drones to Ukraine and advocating for long-term support at NATO headquarters. The recent pledge of £18 million in humanitarian and economic aid further demonstrates the UK's commitment to Ukraine's stability and resilience, bringing total non-military support to £4.7 billion since the invasion began.

The UK remains steadfast in its military support for Ukraine, with a record military aid budget of £2.5 billion allocated for FY24/25, alongside stringent sanctions against Russia. The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and Defence Secretary are all committed to continuing military support for Ukraine, reaffirming the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Defense News February 2024