The UK has announced a £600 million air defence package for Ukraine, covering missiles, automated counter-drone turrets, and advanced British air-defence systems. The support is designed to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend civilians and energy infrastructure against sustained Russian drone and missile attacks.
More than 1,000 UK-built air-defence missiles have already been delivered since June as part of the programme. The announcement reflects the UK’s largest single-year investment in air defence support for Ukraine. It comes as Russia continues to target power stations, hospitals, and residential areas.
The package was confirmed by the Ministry of Defence and Defence Secretary John Healey MP during an international defence coordination meeting involving 50 allied nations. The timing aligns with winter conditions and heightened risks to Ukraine’s power network. The support includes both immediate deliveries and systems scheduled for deployment in 2026. UK officials framed the announcement as part of sustained long-term backing for Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.
UK announces £600 million air defence package
The UK Government has confirmed a £600 million commitment to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences, focusing on countering drone and missile attacks. The funding supports a combination of missiles, ammunition, automated turrets, and British-developed air-defence systems.
Ministers said the package reflects the scale of current threats facing Ukraine’s civilian population and critical infrastructure. It represents the largest annual UK investment in air defence support for Ukraine to date.
Timing and official confirmation
The announcement was made by the Ministry of Defence and Defence Secretary John Healey MP in mid-December 2025. It coincided with a major international defence meeting focused on Ukraine’s future military needs.
UK officials confirmed that deliveries are already underway, with further systems scheduled for deployment over the coming year. The timing reflects concerns over increased Russian attacks during winter months.
Air defence equipment included in the package
The £600 million package combines existing deliveries with new equipment to enhance Ukraine’s layered air defence. It focuses on defending against low-cost drones as well as missile threats targeting infrastructure.
The equipment is intended to operate at scale and reduce pressure on higher-end air-defence systems. UK officials described the approach as practical and focused on protecting civilians.
- Air-defence missiles and ammunition
- Automated counter-drone turrets
- British-developed air-defence systems
Missile deliveries and ammunition supply
More than 1,000 air-defence missiles have been delivered to Ukraine since June 2025 under the programme. These include the final tranche of 650 Lightweight Multirole Missiles, delivered ahead of schedule. In addition, over 250,000 rounds of air-defence ammunition have been supplied during the year. The missiles are being used to counter one-way attack drones and cruise-missile strikes.
Automated counter-drone turrets
The package includes over twenty remotely guided counter-drone turrets acquired from Estonia. These systems are designed to defeat Shahed-style attack drones at lower cost. Delivery is scheduled for 2026 as part of Ukraine’s future defensive capability. Officials said the turrets will help protect urban areas and key infrastructure.
British air-defence systems deployed to Ukraine
Alongside missiles and turrets, the UK is supplying British-developed air-defence systems to reinforce Ukraine’s defences. These systems are intended to provide rapid-reaction protection against low-flying threats. They form part of a broader effort to protect frontline units and infrastructure. UK officials said the systems complement existing Ukrainian capabilities.
RAVEN and GRAVEHAWK systems
Five RAVEN air-defence systems announced earlier in 2025 are now being handed over to Ukraine. The first GRAVEHAWK systems, announced in January, are also being delivered. Together, they are designed to defend against drones and deep-strike attacks. The systems are focused on protecting critical sites such as power infrastructure.
UK Air Defence Systems Overview
| RAVEN | Rapid-reaction air-defence system designed to counter low-flying threats. |
| GRAVEHAWK | System focused on defending infrastructure from missile and drone barrages. |
International coordination and defence planning
The announcement was made during the 32nd meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary John Healey MP and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. Representatives from 50 nations took part, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Discussions focused on Ukraine’s military needs for 2026 and equipment delivery planning.
Ukraine Defence Contact Group discussions
Participants shared battlefield assessments and identified capability gaps. The meeting aimed to align international support ahead of winter and into the following year. UK officials said the timing ensured that new support commitments matched operational priorities. The discussions reinforced coordinated allied backing for Ukraine.
International Defence Coordination
| Participating nations | 50 allied countries supporting Ukraine’s defence. |
| Meeting focus | Military needs, equipment gaps, and delivery planning for 2026. |
Stakeholder Comments
Ministerial Comments
John Healey MP, Defence Secretary said;
“Ukrainians continue to fight with huge courage – military and civilians alike. The UK’s £600 million air defence investment this year is critical help to Ukrainians as they defend their towns, cities and energy infrastructure from Russia’s barbaric attacks.
Alongside this 50-strong group of partners, we are working to deliver the vital support for Ukraine’s defence to put them in the strongest possible position to secure peace.”
Parting Shot
The UK Government said the air defence package demonstrates sustained support for Ukraine’s security. Ministers confirmed that £4.5 billion is being spent on military support to Ukraine in 2025, the highest annual level to date.
The latest package is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s position through winter and beyond. UK officials reiterated their commitment to long-term defence cooperation.
Sources: Ministry of Defence, The Rt Hon John Healey MP, Pravda, Odessa Journal, and Ukraine Defence Contact Group.
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.
