The deal was confirmed ahead of UK Defence Secretary John Healey’s visit to Washington, D.C., where he met with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. During his visit, Healey also toured Anduril’s facilities, underscoring the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine through advanced military technology.
Funding for the contract comes from the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU), an initiative administered by the UK government with contributions from 10 nations. The IFU has secured over £1.3 billion in pledges, with the UK committing £500 million to the fund. The initiative aims to coordinate military assistance to Ukraine in response to the ongoing conflict.
Drone Capabilities and Deployment.
The Altius 600M and 700M drones supplied by Anduril UK are classified as loitering munitions, which can remain airborne in a designated area before striking targets upon identification. These systems are expected to enhance Ukraine’s operational flexibility, particularly in contested areas such as the Black Sea region.
The agreement includes not only the drones but also launchers and spare parts, with deliveries expected over the coming months. The integration of these drones into Ukraine’s military operations aligns with broader efforts to modernize its defense capabilities.
Broader Military Support for Ukraine
Since July 2024, the UK government has provided more than £5.26 billion in military and financial assistance to Ukraine. This includes an annual £3 billion military aid package and a £2.26 billion loan for additional defense spending. The drone contract reflects the UK’s continued role in providing military aid and aligns with its defense strategy, which includes increasing defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.
Dr. Rich Drake, Managing Director of Anduril UK and Europe, expressed the company’s commitment to delivering advanced technology to support the UK and its allies. The deal with Anduril UK also highlights ongoing defense cooperation between the UK, the United States, and NATO partners in response to security challenges in the region.
