Britain Unveils £225 Million Military Aid Package for Ukraine, Including Drones and Air Defence Systems

Britain has announced a new military aid package worth £225 million ($286 million) for Ukraine in 2025, as the UK continues to bolster its support for Kyiv amid the ongoing Russian invasion. The package includes drones, boats, and air defence systems, marking a significant step in the UK’s commitment to helping Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.

The announcement came after UK Defence Secretary John Healey visited Kyiv on Wednesday, where he held talks with Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. During the visit, Healey pledged to increase British assistance to Ukraine, underscoring that the UK’s support remains “ironclad” and unwavering. “The depths of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s miscalculation are clearer than ever, as the brave people of Ukraine continue to defy all expectations with their unbreakable spirit,” Healey said, adding that the UK would continue to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Ukraine to ensure Putin does not succeed.

In July, the newly formed Labour government had already committed to providing £3 billion in military aid annually to Ukraine until at least 2030-2031. The latest £225 million package is part of this long-term commitment, which includes key provisions aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s naval and air defences.

The package includes £92 million for Ukraine’s navy, which will cover small boats, reconnaissance drones, and uncrewed surface vessels. Additionally, £68 million will be dedicated to enhancing Ukraine’s air defence capabilities, including the provision of radar systems. A further £39 million will fund 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems to help Ukraine combat the growing threat of Russian drones on the battlefield.

Healey also announced an expansion of the UK’s training programme for Ukrainian soldiers. Known as Operation Interflex, this programme, which has trained over 51,000 Ukrainian recruits since mid-2022, will continue to be enhanced with greater alignment to Ukraine’s immediate needs. “With Putin resorting to sending as many as 2,000 Russian soldiers to their deaths on the battlefield each day, it is critical that Ukraine is supported with a supply of properly trained and equipped soldiers,” the UK Ministry of Defence stated.

In a recent interview with The Times, Healey suggested that UK troops could be deployed to Ukraine to assist with training Ukrainian forces directly on the ground, rather than in Britain, as had been the case previously. “We will look wherever we can to respond to what the Ukrainians want. They are the ones fighting,” Healey remarked.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov expressed gratitude for the new military aid package, highlighting the importance of the steady delivery of ammunition, particularly for artillery. He also noted that the two leaders discussed the results of the UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, which Kyiv had been authorized to use against Russian targets as of November.

The UK has been one of Ukraine’s most consistent military backers, providing advanced weaponry, including long-range missiles and training for Ukrainian forces. As Ukraine’s frontline positions grow increasingly strained, with reports of Ukrainian troops losing ground and Russian forces deploying North Korean soldiers, Western allies continue to strengthen their support for Kyiv in the face of Russia’s ongoing offensive.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with NATO chief Mark Rutte and other key European leaders in Brussels to discuss further strategies in the ongoing conflict. As tensions mount, the continued international backing for Ukraine remains crucial to its defence efforts against Russia’s invasion.