The United Kingdom has signed a technology-sharing agreement with Ukraine to enhance cooperation in developing air defense unmanned systems and other military equipment.
British Secretary of State for Defence John Healey said the deal provides the U.K. industry with access to the latest equipment designs, assists Ukraine in defending against Russian invasion and strengthens the government’s Plan for Change initiatives.
Air Defense Interceptor Drone
The partnership’s first initiative will be Project Octopus, an advanced air defense interceptor drone designed by Ukrainian experts with support from British scientists and technicians. This unmanned aerial vehicle will be mass-produced in the U.K. to bolster Ukraine’s defenses, enabling it to intercept incoming drones and missiles.
According to the U.K. Ministry of Defence, the drones will help Ukraine defend against aerial attacks, such as Russia’s recent overnight strike on western Ukraine. A report indicated that the incursion spanned several hours and that NATO allies intercepted the missiles.
Defense Industrial Partnership
The technology-sharing agreement builds on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy‘s summer visit to London, during which he signed an industrial partnership to expand the defense capabilities of both countries.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that the partnership showcases the ingenuity of British and Ukrainian forces in providing innovative solutions to counter Russian aggression.
“By harnessing the strength of our world-class defense industry, we are not only helping Ukraine defend itself against Putin’s barbaric attacks, but we are also creating British jobs, driving growth and securing our own future. This is all delivering on our Plan for Change,” the premier said.
The expanded cooperation between the U.K. and Ukraine follows a June commitment by the British government to increase the number of drones it supplies to support Ukrainian troops by tenfold.