The United Kingdom has pledged to provide Ukraine with a significant military aid package, including 650 lightweight multi-role missiles valued at £162 million ($213.13 million). The move comes in response to Russia’s recent intensification of its aerial assault on Ukraine, culminating in the largest air attack since the full-scale invasion began in early 2022.
The British government has acknowledged the urgency of Ukraine’s requests for air defense support to defend against missile and drone attacks. The new supply of missiles, announced by Defence Minister John Healey at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Germany, is intended to provide Ukraine with a crucial boost to its air defenses.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the first batch of missiles, manufactured by Thales, are expected to arrive in Ukraine by the end of the year. These missiles boast a range of over 6 kilometers (3.73 miles) and are compatible with various land, sea, and air-based launch platforms, granting Ukraine greater flexibility in its defensive operations.
The announcement comes on the heels of Russia’s devastating missile and drone assault on Ukraine last Monday, which saw over 200 projectiles targeting critical infrastructure, resulting in seven fatalities and widespread damage to energy facilities. Ukrainian officials characterized the attack as the most significant of the war thus far.
