NATO-led coalition to deliver one million drones to Ukraine

The United Kingdom, alongside Latvia and a coalition of European partners, has initiated a plan to provide Ukraine with one million drones for warfare in a significant move to bolster the country’s defence capabilities.

Announced at a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels, the coalition aims to scale up the supply of first-person view (FPV) drones, which have proven highly effective against Russian assets in Ukraine.

UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps stated, “I’m proud to announce that the UK and Latvia will co-lead an international coalition to build Ukraine’s vital drone capabilities.”

Lativan defence minister said the coalition would “work towards the goal of delivering one million drones to Ukraine.”

The United Kingdom🇬🇧 joins the drone coalition in support of Ukraine🇺🇦 and takes on the joint leadership with Latvia and Ukraine. With @rustem_umerov, we will work towards the goal of delivering one million drones to Ukraine.
Great to have you on board as a partner… pic.twitter.com/Jk9T9XgCes

— Andris Spruds (@AndrisSpruds) February 15, 2024

The coalition, including Sweden and thirteen NATO allies, plans to develop and deliver thousands of FPV drones to Ukraine. This initiative comes amidst escalating tensions in the region as Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its third year.

The UK government has launched a competition to produce FPV drones at scale and an affordable price, utilizing a £200 million ($250 million) drone package announced earlier.

Also Read: Russia Launches 28 Drones, Attack At Ukraine

“The UK continues to do all we can to give Ukraine what it needs – upping our aid to £2.5bn [$2.15bn] this year,” Shapps affirmed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has outlined an ambitious plan to produce 1 million drones in 2024, highlighting the importance of the drone industry in Kyiv’s counter-offensive strategy.

The initiative was announced as NATO ministers reviewed progress in supporting Ukraine’s defence efforts and prepared for the upcoming NATO summit in Washington.

Thirteen NATO allies are expected to sign an agreement on procuring new munitions and missiles to further bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities.

Additionally, the UK is collaborating with NATO allies to provide crucial air defence equipment to Ukraine, including short-range and medium-range air defence missiles and systems.

While EU countries have committed to supporting Ukraine’s military prowess, challenges remain in ensuring the defence industry can meet demands without depleting European stockpiles.