The United Kingdom has supplied Ukraine with more than 85,000 military drones in just six months in an attempt to strengthen Ukraine’s frontline capabilities amid a surge in Russian drone attacks, the UK government announced.
The shipments include tens of thousands of short-range FPV combat drones used for reconnaissance, precision strikes, and disrupting enemy operations behind the front lines. This rapid increase in output was made possible through close collaboration between British firms and major investment in the defence sector.
In 2025, the UK allocated £600 million to accelerate drone deliveries as part of a record £4.5 billion security and defence support package for Ukraine. The funding also supports defence jobs in both countries. Among the newest systems is the Octopus interceptor drone, developed to combat Iranian-made Shahed attack drones. Around 35,000 interception systems are expected to reach Ukraine in the coming months, with battlefield lessons helping refine and deploy improved technologies faster.
A new industrial partnership has also been signed to create prototype drones for protecting civilian and critical infrastructure. Additionally, British specialists plan to train counter-drone units in Moldova to strengthen regional resilience. UK Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that increasing drone output and modernizing air defences are crucial to confronting the growing Russian threat to Ukraine and European security. Meanwhile, the Royal Air Force continues its Operation Eastern Guard missions, patrolling Polish airspace as part of NATO’s collective defence efforts. Ongoing production, innovation, and allied training highlight Britain’s strategic commitment to reinforcing Ukraine’s defence and ensuring Euro-Atlantic stability.
The UK and Ukraine have also agreed to jointly develop and manufacture interceptor drones designed to neutralize mass Shahed drone attacks launched by Russia.
During the DFNC3 International Forum of Defence Industries, both sides signed a statement of intent for the LYRA program — a cooperative initiative focused on advancing battlefield technologies. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that LYRA aims to combine the industrial and scientific strengths of both nations to co-develop, modernize, and scale up production of advanced weapons systems.
Following the forum, a joint artillery production project was also agreed upon, and the UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces confirmed that further collaborations, including bomb manufacturing projects, are planned.
“We’re starting with drones for clear reasons,” he said. “But in the broader sense, Ukraine is a key partner for us in building the technologies that will deter Russia and help rearm Europe.”
