Advanced Attack Drones Supplied to Ukraine Under New UK Deal with Anduril
The armed forces of Ukraine will be equipped with sophisticated attack drones to enhance their efforts against Russian forces in the Black Sea region, as a result of a recent agreement between the UK government and Anduril UK, an Anglo-American defense technology company. This agreement comes as Defence Secretary John Healey MP prepares for discussions with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon.
During his trip to Washington D.C., Healey engaged with employees at Anduril’s facility, reinforcing the commitment of the UK to bolster Ukraine’s position for peace while continuing to defend against ongoing Russian hostilities.
Details of the Deal
The contract, which nearly totals £30 million and is supported by the International Fund for Ukraine, will see Anduril UK deliver cutting-edge Altius 600m and Altius 700m drones, often referred to as loitering munitions. These drones are specifically designed to surveil areas before executing strikes on selected targets.
In his visit to Anduril, Healey spoke with both US and UK personnel about the importance of this collaboration. Established in California, Anduril is significantly investing in the UK, expanding its operations in alignment with governmental mandates aimed at enhancing national security and generating skilled employment opportunities.
Strengthening NATO Alliances
On the agenda for the upcoming meeting with Hegseth will be efforts to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine and to fortify the relationships among NATO allies. Healey recently heralded the special ties between the UK and the US, which remain crucial for security cooperation and economic development. This meeting coincides with the UK Government’s pledge to raise defense expenditure to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027, marking the most significant increase since the Cold War.
John Healey MP’s Commitment
Healey emphasized the need for a stable and enduring peace in Ukraine, stressing that Ukraine must be equipped to deter any further Russian aggression. To date, the UK has supplied over 10,000 drones to Ukraine, playing a critical role in undermining Russian troop movements and targeting positions behind enemy lines.
Additionally, the UK has secured a £2.26 billion loan from confiscated Russian assets, alongside £1.6 billion in air defense missiles, further exemplifying its leadership role in trying to establish peace in Ukraine.
Future Deliveries and Collaborations
The procurement process for this drone initiative is being managed by Defence Equipment & Support, which operates under the MOD and works on behalf of the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU). This fund has amassed more than £1.3 billion in pledges from ten other nations, with the UK contributing £500 million.
Deliveries of the drones, along with necessary launchers and spare parts, are expected in the coming months.
Anduril UK’s Perspective
Dr. Rich Drake, Managing Director of Anduril UK and Europe, expressed pride in partnering with the UK Government to deliver essential capabilities to both the UK and its allies. He highlighted the company’s focus on swiftly deploying technology where it is needed, exemplified by the rapid shipment of Altius drones to Ukraine and the expansion of their presence in the UK.
Support on a Larger Scale
Recently, a commitment was made to send 30,000 drones to Ukraine as part of an international Drone Capability Coalition, led by the UK and Latvia. Since July 2024, the UK has provided over £5.26 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, inclusive of a yearly military aid package of £3 billion and a £2.26 billion loan for military expenditures.
The British and US armed forces have been closely aligned in various global initiatives, such as combating Daesh in the Middle East and conducting maritime security operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Defence Secretary’s engagement in Washington D.C. also coincides with the British Army receiving the final delivery of an order for 50 cutting-edge AH-64E attack helicopters, bolstering the UK’s military capabilities while promoting economic growth through the associated job support.
This visit follows the 50th iteration of Exercise Red Flag in Nevada, a collaborative training event involving the UK, US, and Australia, designed to prepare military forces for realistic combat scenarios.
