The United Kingdom is providing a £600 million ($806 million) air defense package to Ukraine to help counter Russian drone and missile attacks through the winter, as Kyiv faces sustained strikes on cities and energy infrastructure.
According to Sky News, UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the package would provide Ukraine with new defensive capabilities, namely air defense systems, missiles and automated gun turrets designed to intercept drones.
Healey announced the support ahead of the 32nd meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which is held via video link on Tuesday.
Air defenses aimed at drones and infrastructure
The new package is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to shoot down Russian drones, which have been used extensively in attacks on civilian areas and critical infrastructure, particularly during the winter months, causing nationwide blackouts.
According to the British outlet LBC, the UK will send Kyiv over 20 remotely guided counter-drone turrets from Estonia starting in 2026, along with five RAVEN air defense systems to address low-altitude threats.
The package also includes Gravehawk air defense systems, announced in January, which would allow Ukraine to repurpose its Soviet missile stockpile for air defense.
“Ukrainians continue to fight with huge courage – military and civilians alike,” Healey was quoted as saying by a UK Ministry of Defence press release.
Healey described the funding as “critical help” as Ukraine works to protect towns, cities and energy facilities from what he called Russia’s “barbaric attacks.”
UK co-chairs Ramstein meeting on Ukraine defense aid
The Ukraine Defence Contact Group – also known as the Ramstein format – includes NATO allies and other partner countries and serves as the main forum for coordinating weapons deliveries and military aid to Kyiv.
Healey is co-chairing the latest meeting as Britain seeks to maintain momentum in Western support amid continued fighting and diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.
“Alongside this 50-strong group of partners, we are working to deliver the vital support for Ukraine’s defense to put them in the strongest possible position to secure peace,” Healey said.
The UK has been one of Ukraine’s most consistent military backers since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, providing air defense systems, long-range missiles, armored vehicles and training for Ukrainian forces.
The new air defense package fits into a broader pattern of stepped-up British military support for Ukraine in 2025, with London increasingly prioritizing air defense as Russia expands its use of drones and missiles against civilian targets.
UK expands military aid using frozen Russian assets
In late June, the United Kingdom announced it would deliver 350 Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, in a package financed through proceeds from frozen Russian assets.
The £70 million ($94 million) package, announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the NATO summit in The Hague, was funded using profits generated from seized Russian funds, marking one of the first cases in which such assets have been directly channelled into Ukraine’s defense.
That approach was expanded further in September. During a visit to Kyiv, Defence Secretary Healey said that money generated from immobilized Russian assets had already financed more than £1 billion ($1.34 billion) in weapons and military support purchased by the UK on Ukraine’s behalf.
Separately, the UK will extend its training program for Ukrainian soldiers as part of efforts to strengthen Kyiv’s armed forces ahead of any European- and US-backed security guarantees tied to a potential peace deal.
The so-called Interflex program – which provides both combat and leadership training – will be extended until at least the end of 2026. More than 50,000 Ukrainian recruits have been trained in the UK under the program so far.