The package is funded through the UK’s £2.26 billion Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loan to Ukraine. The loan is backed by proceeds from immobilised Russian sovereign assets, which were announced by the Chancellor last year.
The support will also deliver more than 350 air defence missiles and radars by the end of 2026. The equipment will include Lightweight Multirole Missiles and ground-based radar systems.
The Ministry of Defence said air defence radars and missiles are critical for defending Ukraine against Russian air attacks on civilian targets. It said the package provides equipment that Ukraine urgently needs.
The military support follows the Prime Minister’s announcement at the G7 earlier this week. That included £210 million of UK Export Finance support for Ukraine’s nuclear power plants and 70 new sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, military procurement supply chains and illicit finance networks.
The drones and air defence support were announced by Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP in Brussels. He is attending the NATO Defence Ministers’ Meeting and the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.
Jarvis met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the UK’s support for Ukraine. The Ministry said the UK is putting pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate, including through action against Russia’s shadow fleet.
The Ministry said that pressure was illustrated by a major military operation to interdict the Smyrtos vessel in the early hours of Sunday morning. It did not provide further details in the announcement.
The Ukraine Defence Contact Group is being co-chaired by Jarvis and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius. The meeting brings together nearly 50 nations and is taking place for the 35th time.
The group is focused on Ukraine’s urgent battlefield requirements. It also helps sustain long-term military support for Ukraine.
“It is a privilege to attend my first NATO Defence Ministers meeting and host the vital Ukraine Defence Contact Group with Germany,” Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP said. “For 75 years, NATO has been the cornerstone of the UK’s security. My priorities are to strengthen the alliance’s deterrence and defence, and continue to support Ukraine as they defend their nation against Russia’s brutal war of aggression.”
“This package of drones, air defence missiles and radars that will help to protect innocent Ukrainian people from Putin’s barrage of drones and missiles, and it is an honour to welcome President Zelenskyy to this important meeting,” Jarvis said.
“This funding is helping deliver the vital military equipment Ukraine needs as it defends itself against Russia’s unprovoked war,” Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said. “Our support for Ukraine is steadfast. I am proud that we are providing vital support, and we will continue to do all we can to keep pressure on Russia.”
The Ministry said the package will strengthen Ukraine’s air defences. It said the support will improve protection against Russian missile and drone attacks and support Ukraine’s domestic defence production.
The Prime Minister has directed work in recent weeks to increase support for Ukraine across several areas. The Ministry said this includes military equipment, energy support and pressure on Russia’s war machine to sustain Ukraine’s battlefield momentum into next winter.
Jarvis also confirmed that Britain is taking command of the Multinational Force for Ukraine Headquarters. Major General Tom Bateman will assume command next month in the rank of Lieutenant General.
Bateman will lead the multinational team responsible for coordinating support to Ukraine. The headquarters will also help prepare for the long-term regeneration of Ukraine’s Armed Forces in the event of a peace deal.
Bateman’s most recent role was Standing Joint Force Commander. In that position, he was responsible for leading MNF-U planning on recovery and regeneration of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The Ministry said Bateman worked closely with counterparts in Ukraine, France and nations in the Multinational Force for Ukraine. Jarvis also met counterparts from the United States, France, Germany, Ukraine, Norway, Estonia, Denmark and Finland during NATO meetings.
With Germany and Norway, Jarvis agreed to closer cooperation on anti-submarine warfare in the High North and Atlantic. Germany, Norway and the UK operate modern anti-submarine warfare equipment including frigates and P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
The Ministry said the UK is delivering on the Strategic Defence Review’s NATO-first policy. It said the government will continue supporting Ukraine and investing in military capabilities needed by the Armed Forces.
Lessons from Ukraine and the UK’s role in European security are expected to be central themes in the Defence Investment Plan. The plan will be published ahead of the NATO Summit.
