The UK government has confirmed that 30,000 drones might be sent to Ukraine, consistent with allies’ pledges to increase support in 2025 as the war with Russia continues.
The news follows the signing of contracts price £45 million by the international Drone Opportunities Coalition, co-chaired by the UK and Latvia, with UK Defense Secretary John Healey announcing the milestone alongside his Latvian counterpart Andris Sprūds.
The recent first-person view drones will provide Ukraine with unmanned surveillance and attack capabilities, allowing the Ukrainian Armed Forces to maneuver past Russian air defenses to goal enemy positions and armored vehicles.
To date, the Drone Capabilities Coalition’s joint fund has raised around £73 million from partners including Denmark, the Netherlands, Latvia and Sweden, with the UK’s total investment to date standing at £15 million.
At the identical time, the federal government also revealed that allies and partners have contributed greater than £190 million in additional funding to the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine, with Portugal and Germany contributing for the primary time.
The funding includes £67 million from Denmark for drones, air defense systems and training equipment, £43 million from Portugal for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance drones, and £20 million from Sweden to fund the repair of Archer self-propelled artillery systems
“I’m proud of the UK’s leadership in supporting Ukraine. From leading coalitions that, with allies, deliver essential equipment to training recruits, we strongly support Ukraine within the fight against Putin’s aggression,” Healey said.
“Our commitment to providing £3 billion a year of military aid for as long as necessary will ensure Ukraine can defend itself and is essential to protecting the UK’s security – because Britain’s defense starts in Ukraine.”
The use of recent technologies on Ukraine’s battlefields is becoming the topic of heated debate, with the UK Parliament’s Defense Committee publishing its findings today Developing the potential of artificial intelligence i specialist knowledge of UK defence a report that argues that artificial intelligence particularly is already providing a military advantage.
However, the committee then accuses the Ministry of Defense of treating artificial intelligence as a “novelty” somewhat than a core part of the country’s future defense toolkit, arguing that the ministry should strive to turn into an AI-driven organization.
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According to the report, the Ministry of Defense should seek to discover gaps within the UK’s AI-based defense sector, including in digital infrastructure, data management and the AI skills base, provide clear signals to industry concerning the type of AI the department is focused on acquiring, and begin cooperation with smaller and non-traditional defense equipment suppliers.
“Defence AI is here to stay – the UK must act quickly to avoid being left behind,” said Emma Lewell-Buck MP, Chair of the Sub-Committee on Developing Artificial Intelligence Capabilities and Expertise in UK Defence.
“While the department recognizes the importance of artificial intelligence, these words have not been backed up by action. “Faced with an ever-worsening global threat landscape and the rapid pace of technological change, the Ministry of Defense has no time to waste.”
