Technology data sets from Ukraine’s front line are set to be plugged into UK production lines, allowing British defence firms to rapidly design and build, at scale, cutting edge military equipment available nowhere else in the world.
Ukraine is the world leader in drone design and execution, with drone technology evolving, on average, every six weeks. The agreement will allow that data to be shared with UK firms to quickly build and produce large numbers of drones for Ukraine’s front lines. It will also ensure a defence dividend continues to be delivered across the country – boosting Ukraine’s defence with deliveries of new equipment, while also supporting British jobs. Initial agreements between defence firms in both countries are expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks, with the aim of delivering Ukraine large numbers of battle-proven drones to continue to stave off Russia’s barbaric invasion over the coming months and years.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “By harnessing Ukraine’s battlefield innovation and combining it with British industrial strength, we are not only accelerating support for Ukraine’s defence, we are also delivering security for working people through our Plan for Change. This agreement is not just about today’s fight, it’s about building the defence capabilities of tomorrow, together.”
The agreement, which covers the next three years, underscores the unbreakable friendship between the two countries, comes after the two leaders signed the 100-year partnership between the UK and Ukraine in January.
The UK will also allocate up to £280m of bilateral assistance to Ukraine for financial year 2025-2026 today to keep the country in the fight and ensure Ukrainians living through Russia’s illegal invasion have access to vital support. The funding will support humanitarian, energy, stabilisation, reform, recovery and reconstruction programmes.