The United Kingdom has committed £600 million in new air-defence capabilities for Ukraine, including cutting-edge automated turrets to shoot down Russian drones. The package supports Ukraine through a winter in which Putin’s air campaign continues to target homes, hospitals, and power stations.
Largest Single-Year Air Defence Investment
This investment, the UK’s largest single-year package for Ukrainian air defence, has already seen over 1,000 missiles delivered since June. The announcement coincides with the 32nd meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) on 16 December 2025, co-chaired by UK Defence Secretary John Healey MP and Germany’s Boris Pistorius. In this virtual summit of 50 nations—including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth—allies will coordinate Ukraine’s key military needs for 2026, share battlefield insights, and plan critical equipment deliveries.
Counter-Drone Turrets and Air Defence Systems
The UK’s long-term commitment includes more than twenty remotely guided counter-drone turrets, acquired from Estonia for delivery in 2026. These systems are designed to defeat Shahed-style drones at scale and lower cost. Building on this, five RAVEN air-defence systems announced this summer will now be transferred, providing frontline units with a rapid-reaction shield. Meanwhile, the first GRAVEHAWK systems, pledged in January, are now being delivered to reinforce the protection of key infrastructure.
Missile Deliveries
In 2025, the UK—with international partners—has supplied over 1,000 air defence missiles and 250,000 rounds of ammunition. Central to this enhanced capability is the final tranche of 650 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), delivered early last autumn and now critical in countering Russian one-way attack drones and cruise missiles.
Executive Perspective
Defence Secretary John Healey MP stated: “The UK’s £600 million air defence investment this year is critical help to Ukrainians as they defend their towns, cities and energy infrastructure from Russia’s barbaric attacks. Alongside this 50-strong group of partners, we are working to deliver the vital support for Ukraine’s defence.”
Octopus Initiative
The package also advances the landmark UK-Ukraine Octopus initiative, which will see a new state-of-the-art interceptor drone built in the UK for large-scale deployment. These interceptors are far cheaper than traditional missiles and highly effective against drone waves.
This effort underscores how UK support for Ukraine also drives domestic investment, creating skilled jobs and reinforcing national security—a foundation of the government’s Plan for Change. With £4.5 billion in military support this year—the UK’s highest ever level—the nation remains committed to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
