The deal follows a meeting of world leaders in London last week, when the Prime Minister and allies agreed it was essential that military support continues for Ukraine to put the country in the strongest possible position for peace as it continues to defend itself from Russian aggression.

The new contracts, totalling nearly £30 million and backed by the International Fund for Ukraine, will result in Anduril UK supplying cutting-edge Altius 600m and Altius 700m drones – known as loitering munitions – that are designed to monitor an area before striking targets that enter it.

The announcement follows the recent decision by the UK Government to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027 – the biggest sustained uplift since the Cold War.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said: “We are determined to achieve a secure, lasting peace in Ukraine, which means putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position to prevent any return to Russian aggression.

“The UK has already provided more than 10,000 drones to Ukraine’s Armed Forces, which have proved vital in disrupting Russian troop advances and targeting positions behind the frontline.

“With a £2.26 billion loan from seized Russian assets, plus £1.6 billion worth of air defence missiles announced for Ukraine in the last week, the UK is continuing to show leadership in securing a lasting peace for Ukraine.”

The work with Anduril UK has been led by Defence Equipment & Support – the procurement arm of the MOD – on behalf of the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine (IFU). The fund now stands at more than £1.3 billion worth of pledges from 10 other countries, of which the UK has contributed £500 million.

Ukraine’s armed forces will take delivery of the drones, launchers and spare parts over the coming months.

Dr Rich Drake, MD of Anduril UK and Europe said: “Anduril UK is proud to partner with the UK Government, working hand in glove to deliver vital capabilities for the UK and its Allies. Our focus on developing and deploying technology where and when it’s needed is at the core of everything we do – from the rapid delivery of Altius to Ukraine to the expansion of our presence here in the UK.

“We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Ministry of Defence to protect our nation and our allies.”

In January, it was announced that 30,000 drones will be sent to Ukraine by the international Drone Capability Coalition, co-led by the UK and Latvia.

Since July 2024, the Government has provided over £5.26 billion in military aid and financial support to Ukraine, including a £3 billion annual military aid and a £2.26 billion loan for military spending.

Announcement Comes as Ukraine Ambassador Weighs in on US Relations

Speaking at a conference today, Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, accused the United States of “destroying” the international rules-based order by attempting to meet Russia “halfway.”

Speaking at a Chatham House conference, Zaluzhnyi, who previously served as Ukraine’s military commander-in-chief, warned that recent U.S. actions toward Moscow pose “a huge challenge” to global stability. He expressed concerns that NATO could collapse and that Europe might become Russian President Vladimir Putin’s next target.

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Zaluzhnyi criticised the U.S. for undermining Western unity, stating, “We see that it is not just the axis of evil and Russia trying to revise the world order, but the US is finally destroying this order.”

Zaluzhnyi’s remarks coincide with efforts by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to mend ties with U.S. President Donald Trump after their now infamous discussion last week, which ended with Zelensky being ordered to leave the White House.

While Trump indicated a potential easing of tensions, citing a letter from Zelensky expressing readiness for a peace deal, he also ordered a freeze on U.S. military aid to Ukraine.

Additionally, Washington paused intelligence sharing with Kyiv and halted cyber operations against Russia. Zaluzhnyi condemned these moves, particularly the suspension of cyber operations and the U.S. opposition to a UN resolution condemning Russian aggression, calling them “a huge challenge for the entire world.” He warned that U.S.-Russia talks, led by a “war criminal,” signal a dangerous shift, with Moscow potentially targeting Europe next.