150,000 drones and air defence missiles: UK announces new military aid package for Ukraine
The United Kingdom announced a new £752 million (approx. US$995 million) military aid package for Ukraine on 18 June which will deliver 150,000 drones and more than 350 air defence missiles and radars by the end of this year.
Source: European Pravda, citing the UK government
Details: The aid package is being financed through the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loan to Ukraine. The loan is backed by the proceeds of frozen Russian assets.
The package will deliver 150,000 drones by the end of the year, as well as more than 350 air defence missiles and radars, including lightweight multi-role missiles and ground-based radar systems.
"This package of drones, air defence missiles and radars will help to protect innocent Ukrainian people from Putin's barrage of drones and missiles," said Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis, who is co-chairing a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (also known as the Ramstein format) in Brussels.
The package of measures will strengthen Ukraine's air defence, improve protection against Russia's indiscriminate missile strikes and drone attacks, and support Ukraine's domestic defence production.
"The UK's commitment to Ukraine's security is steadfast and the Prime Minister directed work in recent weeks to step up support for Ukraine across every dimension, from military equipment to energy support and pressure on Putin's war machine to ensure Ukraine's momentum on the battlefield is sustained into next winter," the UK government stressed.
Background:
- On 18 June, Germany announced it would allocate Ukraine a further US$400 million for air defence and Patriot missiles under the PURL and Jumpstart programmes.
- Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken has announced plans to supply F-16 fighter jets to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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