UK-led coalition to send Ukraine 30,000 new UAVs

(CLO) The British Ministry of Defense announced that an international coalition co-led by the UK and Latvia will provide 30,000 new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Ukraine.

The Drone Capability Coalition was formed in early 2024 with the aim of supplying UAVs to Ukraine. The £45 million ($55 million) order is funded by the UK, Denmark, the Netherlands, Latvia and Sweden.

The 25th Ramstein meeting ended with a number of important commitments to the defense of Ukraine. Photo: NOELreports

Although the specific time of delivery has not been announced, the British Ministry of Defense said the new UAVs will be advanced drones with First-Person View (FPV) capabilities. These UAVs will help the Ukrainian army overcome Russian air defense systems to attack enemy positions and armored vehicles.

British Defense Secretary John Healey made the announcement during a visit to Ramstein Air Base (Germany) during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group with the participation of more than 50 countries. Here, Mr. Healey also met with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

The UK has invested a further £7.5m into the drone alliance’s common fund, bringing its total contribution to £15m. The fund has raised around £73m to date.

Mr Healey also confirmed that the UK-managed International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) has now surpassed the £1.3bn mark, with the UK contributing £500m, along with more than £190m from allies, including Portugal and Germany, who have joined for the first time.

The UK's new Labour government, which takes office in July 2024, has pledged to maintain £3bn a year in military aid to Ukraine until the 2030-31 financial year.

The new UAVs will play a key role in strengthening the Ukrainian military’s offensive capabilities. In addition to UAVs, the International Fund for Ukraine is also prioritizing the purchase of other essential military equipment such as air defense systems and artillery.

Cao Phong (according to Gov.uk, AFP, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lien-minh-do-vuong-quoc-anh-dan-dau-se-gui-cho-ukraine-30000-may-bay-khong-nguoi-lai-moi-post329800.html