Air defence has become a central focus for European security as Russia continues long-range strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and residential areas.
The Ministry of Defence said the UK will urgently provide a new air defence package for Ukraine worth over £500 million, announced by Defence Secretary John Healey on 12 February 2026 in Brussels.
The UK has announced an urgent air defence package for Ukraine worth over £500 million, led by the Ministry of Defence and Defence Secretary John Healey and set out on 12 February 2026 during talks at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
New UK Air Defence Package for Ukraine
The Ministry of Defence said the new support is intended to help protect Ukraine from attacks on energy sites and homes. The package was announced as the Defence Secretary co-chaired international defence talks in Brussels.
The UK said the overall package is worth over £500 million and will focus on air defence missiles and systems. Ministers described the support as part of continued allied backing for Ukraine as the conflict enters its fifth year.
The support includes new air defence missiles and systems, £150 million for NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List, and additional UK-manufactured Lightweight Multirole Missiles. The package is aimed at helping Ukraine protect energy sites, infrastructure and cities from escalating drone and missile attacks.
What the £500 Million Package Includes
The UK said the package combines new air defence capability with additional funding and planned deliveries through allied mechanisms. It includes support for NATO procurement, UK-manufactured missiles, and further munitions deliveries in the coming months.
The Ministry of Defence said the support is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend infrastructure and cities from drone and missile strikes. The package is presented as a mix of immediate and near-term deliveries.
- Air defence missiles and systems
- Funding for NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List
- Additional UK-manufactured Lightweight Multirole Missiles
- Further missiles and artillery ammunition via allied arrangements
Package Components Announced
| Total package value | Over £500 million in air defence missiles and systems, plus related deliveries and support announced by the Ministry of Defence. |
| NATO PURL funding | £150 million to the NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List initiative to support rapid delivery of air defence interceptors. |
| UK-manufactured missiles | An additional 1,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles manufactured in Belfast, intended to support defence of infrastructure and cities. |
| Planned additional deliveries | 1,200 air defence missiles and 200,000 rounds of artillery ammunition to be delivered in coming months through the Air Defence Consortium. |
NATO PURL Contribution and Role
The Defence Secretary said the UK will, for the first time, provide £150 million to NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List initiative. The Ministry of Defence said the initiative is designed to ensure rapid delivery of air defence interceptors for Ukraine.
The government said NATO coordinates the purchase of defence equipment from the United States through the initiative. The UK described its funding as part of allied efforts to improve the pace of air defence support.
UK-Manufactured Missiles and Industrial Support
The Ministry of Defence said the UK will deliver an additional 1,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles manufactured in Belfast. The government said these missiles will support efforts to defend Ukrainian infrastructure and cities from escalating drone and missile attacks.
The UK also highlighted industrial collaboration with Ukraine linked to Rapid Ranger launchers and command and control vehicles. The statement said a £390 million deal supports transfer of production and support of these systems to Ukraine.
- Lightweight Multirole Missiles
- Rapid Ranger launchers support
- Command and control vehicles
UK and Allied Delivery Channels
| National UK deliveries | Additional 1,000 UK-manufactured Lightweight Multirole Missiles, alongside other air defence missiles and systems within the package. |
| NATO procurement route | UK funding to NATO PURL, with NATO coordinating purchase to support rapid delivery of air defence interceptors. |
| Consortium route | Planned delivery of 1,200 air defence missiles and 200,000 rounds of artillery ammunition through the Air Defence Consortium. |
Additional Missile and Ammunition Deliveries
The Ministry of Defence said the coming months will see the UK deliver an additional 1,200 air defence missiles for Ukraine’s defenders through the Air Defence Consortium. It also said 200,000 rounds of artillery ammunition will be delivered through the same mechanism.
The government described the planned deliveries as part of coordinated support designed to address priority battlefield needs. The statement said the aim is to help Ukraine sustain defence of critical sites and urban areas.
Ukraine Defence Contact Group Meeting Context
The Defence Secretary co-chaired the 33rd Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels on 12 February 2026. The UK said the meeting brought together 50 nations to discuss Ukraine’s military needs for 2026.
The Ministry of Defence said the meeting would share battlefield insights, plan equipment deliveries, and identify gaps that need to be addressed. The UK said it co-chairs the group with Germany, alongside wider coalition work with partners.
Ministerial Comments
John Healey MP, Defence Secretary said;
“As we approach the fifth year of Putin’s full scale invasion, the UK and our allies are more committed than ever to supporting Ukraine. I’m proud of the UK’s continued leadership and pleased to confirm a new half a billion pound package of air defence, including £150 million for PURL, to help Ukrainians defend against Putin’s relentless drone and missile attacks.”
Parting Shot
The Ministry of Defence said the UK’s package combines urgent air defence support with planned deliveries through NATO and allied mechanisms. Ministers said the funding for NATO PURL and the additional UK-manufactured missiles are intended to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend infrastructure and cities.
The government said the measures were announced alongside allied discussions on Ukraine’s 2026 needs and delivery planning.
Sources: Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon John Healey MP.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
