Ukraine and UK deepen defence cooperation on drone technology

LONDON: (Web Desk) – Britain and Ukraine are set to sign a defence partnership focused on countering the threat posed by low-cost drones, Downing Street announced ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to London on Tuesday.

The agreement aims to “boost global defensive capability against the proliferation of low-cost, high-tech military hardware, including drones,” according to a statement from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office. It plans to leverage Ukraine’s experience in countering drone threats during its ongoing war with Russia and Britain’s industrial base to manufacture and supply drones and other innovative defence technologies.

Starmer emphasized the growing importance of drones, electronic warfare, and rapid battlefield innovation to national and economic security, noting that the Middle East conflict has further highlighted these threats. He added that the partnership strengthens Ukraine’s defence against Russia while preparing the UK and its allies for future military challenges.

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The deal also includes £500,000 ($670,000) in funding for an “AI Centre of Excellence” to be integrated into the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.

President Zelensky’s London visit comes amid concerns that global attention on the US-Israeli war with could overshadow Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. European allies have pledged continued support for Kyiv, even after Washington partially eased sanctions on Moscow to stabilize global oil markets affected by the Middle East crisis.