UK to send Ukraine devastating drones to attack Russian forces as part of £30m deal | World | News
Britain will supply Ukraine with new attack drones to strike Russia in the Black Sea, it has been announced. The drones are being sent to Ukraine as part of a nearly £30million deal as the UK looks to put Kyiv in the strongest possible position for peace talks.
The Altius 600m and Altius 700m drones are loitering munitions, also known as kamikaze drones, which loiter before striking targets. Defence Secretary John Healey visited Andruil, the Anglo-American firm manufacturing the weapons, in Washington DC ahead of meeting his US counterpart at the Pentagon on Thursday. He 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 £2.26billion loan from seized Russian assets, plus £1.6billion 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.”
Manufacturer Andruil says Altius 600m is designed to “accommodate multiple seeker and warhead options while doubling the loitering time and range of current market offerings”.
It says the 700m is designed for advanced and heavier payloads, capable of carrying warheads up to 15kg.
The announcement comes days after US President Donald Trump paused sharing intelligence with Ukraine and suspended all military aid.
Drones have been used to a devastating effect during the Ukraine war, including in the Black Sea, where Russia has suffered a series of losses.
Two secret naval drones developed by the UK have been undergoing final testing ahead of being sent to Ukraine.
Little information has been released on the drones, known as Snapper and Wasp, but experts think they could play an important role in the Black Sea.
