The UK is investing 350 million pounds ($474 million) this year to increase the supply of drones to Ukraine.
The funding will see the country deliver an estimated 100,000 drones this financial year, 10 times more than the 10,000 units handed over in 2024.
British defense companies, including small- to medium-sized enterprises, are also expected to receive additional backing with the ballooning demand for drones.
The decision comes after Ukraine confirmed the effectiveness of UK-provided drones in stabilizing the frontlines in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.
Defense Secretary John Healey said that the country is learning lessons every day from Ukraine and that British companies are developing more advanced drones to bolster London’s national security.
“This investment will help keep us secure at home and strong abroad, while ensuring the UK is a world leader in rapidly developing drone technology,” he added.
The UK is expecting to spend 4.5 billion pounds ($6.1 billion) in military support this year as part of its Plan for Change policy.
Ongoing Support
In total, the UK has committed 18 billion pounds ($24.4 billion) to assist Ukraine in the ongoing war, with more than 70 percent of its donations categorized as military support.
The country initially pledged 100 million pounds ($136 million) at the start of the invasion, but raised the amount due to the continued conflict.
London’s support for Ukraine includes the handover of air defense systems, ammunition, multirole missiles and training programs led by the British Army to boost Ukraine’s critical defense capabilities.
