Additional Coverage:
- US ally bolsters Zelensky’s arsenal with $39m deal to target Putin’s men in the Black Sea (irishstar.com)
UK Pledges Cutting-Edge Drones to Bolster Ukraine’s Black Sea Defense
The United Kingdom is sending a new wave of attack drones to Ukraine, a package worth nearly $40 million, designed to strengthen the country’s position in ongoing peace negotiations and bolster its military capabilities in the Black Sea region.
Defense Secretary John Healey, following a meeting with the US Defence Secretary at the Pentagon, confirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in achieving a lasting peace and preventing further Russian aggression. Healey emphasized the UK’s ongoing support, highlighting the more than 10,000 drones already supplied to Ukraine’s armed forces.
These drones have proven crucial in disrupting Russian advances and targeting strategic positions. Healey also pointed to the significant financial commitment from the UK, including a £2.26 billion loan from seized Russian assets and £1.6 billion earmarked for air defense missiles.
The new drone package features the Altius 600m and 700m, known as “kamikaze drones” for their ability to hover and precisely target before striking. Manufactured by Anglo-American company Andruil, the Altius 600m boasts double the loitering time and range of similar drones currently available, and can be equipped with a variety of warheads and targeting systems. The 700m model is designed to carry heavier payloads, with a capacity of up to 15kg.
This announcement comes at a critical time in the conflict. Drones have already played a decisive role in the Black Sea, where Ukraine has inflicted significant losses on Russian forces.
Adding to this, two new covert naval drones, Snapper and Wasp, developed by the UK, are in the final stages of testing before deployment to Ukraine. Details about these drones remain classified, but experts suggest they could significantly impact naval operations in the region.