The package is intended to be deployed rapidly to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. It is designed to enhance protection for frontline forces and key national assets against aerial threats.
The announcement was made by Keir Starmer during the Joint Expeditionary Force leaders’ meeting in Helsinki. The summit included participation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and focused on accelerating support for Ukraine.
“As Putin continues his abhorrent attacks across Ukraine, my message is simple – there will be no let up in the UK’s support,” Starmer said. “Putin’s needless full-scale invasion has hurt households up and down the UK by increasing the cost of living and undermining European security.”
“To ensure that never happens again, and protect people at home from the real threat that Russia poses, I am determined to do everything we can to support a sovereign and free Ukraine for generations to come,” he added. “This vital air defence package will do just that, protecting millions of people in Ukraine from Russia’s barbaric strikes on cities and homes, as their armed forces courageously defend their nation and our values on the front line.”
The UK government said the package builds on previous support announced in February at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels. That earlier package included funding for air defence interceptors and the delivery of more than 1,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles.
John Healey said the new support reflects continued commitment to Ukraine’s defence. “Ukraine continues to bravely defend against Putin’s brutal attacks, and I am proud of how the UK is stepping up support to Ukraine to achieve peace on their terms.”
“This will provide Ukraine with vital air defence to protect civilians, cities and critical infrastructure from Russia’s relentless attacks,” Healey added. “The axis of aggression between Russia and Iran makes it increasingly important that we build on Ukrainian expertise and innovation, supported by British industry, and ensure that Ukrainian fighters see benefits from that as they continue to push back Putin’s illegal invasion.”
“I pay tribute to the huge courage and ingenuity of the Ukrainian people – military and civilians alike – and I am determined to make 2026 the year this war ends,” he said.
The UK also highlighted ongoing deliveries of 1,200 air defence missiles and 200,000 rounds of artillery ammunition through international cooperation frameworks. These efforts are part of broader initiatives involving NATO allies and defence industry partnerships.
The announcement forms part of the UK’s wider £3 billion annual military support to Ukraine. Officials said the continued assistance reflects a long-term commitment to Ukraine’s security and to countering Russian aggression.
Source: UK Ministry of Defence.
