**UK Commits to Providing 100,000 Drones to Ukraine by 2026**
In a significant move, the United Kingdom has pledged to supply Ukraine with 100,000 drones by April 2026. This commitment is part of a broader £4.5 billion military support initiative for Ukraine and marks a major milestone in the UK’s efforts to help the country defend itself against Russian aggression.
The drone package, valued at £350 million ($473 million), represents a significant increase from previous targets, which had called for 10,000 drones by 2024. The move is seen as a response to the changing nature of modern warfare, with Defense Secretary John Healey stating that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have “changed the way wars are fought.”
**A Growing Military Support Package**
In addition to the drone deliveries, the UK government has confirmed the delivery of 140,000 artillery shells to Ukraine since January. The country will also spend an additional £247 million ($334 million) this year on training Ukrainian troops.
Healey emphasized that the UK is learning valuable lessons from the battlefield in Ukraine and using these insights to develop advanced new drones to protect civilians and strengthen national security. This focus on technological advancement is also reflected in a recent Strategic Defense Review, which called for a more technologically advanced military to counter emerging threats.
**A Commitment to Military Spending**
The UK’s commitment to providing 100,000 drones to Ukraine follows a recent announcement to increase military spending to 2.5% of total GDP by April 2027. The country will also devote over £4 billion ($5.4 billion) to the development of autonomous systems and drones for the UK Armed Forces.
This increased focus on military spending is likely to be discussed at today’s Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels, where the UK and Germany will co-host a gathering of international partners coordinating further military aid to Ukraine.
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