150,000 drones and air defence missiles: UK announces new military aid package for Ukraine

The United Kingdom announced on 18 June a new military aid package for Ukraine worth £725 million, which includes the supply of 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 for Ukraine (ERA) loan provided to Ukraine. This loan is guaranteed by funds derived from frozen Russian assets.

The package provides for the delivery of 150,000 drones by the end of the year, as well as the transfer of 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 that 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 announced 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 announced plans to supply F-16 fighter jets to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

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