Ukraine and the U.K. Discussed the Gripen, F-16, and New Drones for the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Ukraine and the United Kingdom discussed further strengthening their defense cooperation. Among the main topics of the talks were the protection of Ukrainian airspace, support for the air force, countering Russian drones, and the procurement of Ukrainian drones for the Defense Forces.
Yevhen Khmara, Ukraine’s Acting Minister of Defense, held his first conversation with the United Kingdom’s new Minister of Defense, Wes Streeting. The parties agreed to continue working on joint defense projects.
During the talks, one of the key issues was strengthening Ukraine’s air capabilities. Kyiv is counting on continued support from the United Kingdom in developing its aviation capabilities and defending the country against Russian attacks. Yevhen Khmara emphasized that Ukraine is interested in implementing a project to supply Gripen aircraft and Meteor missiles for them.
According to him, such aircraft could become a vital component of Ukraine’s air defense and help in the fight against Russian aviation. “We are counting on support for the project to supply Gripen fighter jets and Meteor missiles for them. This is important for countering Russian aircraft and protecting Ukrainians from attacks,” Khmara noted. The Ukrainian side also stressed the need to continue supplying ammunition for the F-16 fighter jets already transferred to Ukraine.
Ukraine needs a strong air force to protect its infrastructure
Separately, during the conversation, the parties discussed the protection of Ukraine’s “grain corridor.” According to Khmara, one of the key tasks remains ensuring the security of the routes through which Ukraine exports food. To do this, Ukraine needs robust air capabilities—ranging from fighter jets to systems for countering enemy attacks.
Russia regularly attacks Ukrainian cities, energy facilities, and transportation infrastructure with missiles and drones. That is why strengthening Ukraine’s air force remains one of the main areas of cooperation with allies.
Countering Russian Drones
Another key issue in the talks was countering Russian attack drones. Yevhen Khmara noted that Russia continues to increase the number of attacks, in particular by using jet-powered versions of the “Shahed” drones.
According to him, Ukraine needs swift solutions from its partners to help protect people and critical infrastructure more effectively. “Russia is escalating its attacks with jet-powered ‘Shaheds.’ Prompt solutions from our partners can save the lives of Ukrainians and strengthen the protection of infrastructure,” stated the representative of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. Ukraine is working to develop its own counter-drone capabilities, but support from allies remains crucial for strengthening its defenses.
Britain will assist with the procurement of Ukrainian drones
During the talks, the parties also discussed the procurement of Ukrainian drones for the needs of the Defense Forces. This involves using the ERA Loan mechanism—financing through proceeds from frozen Russian assets.
Under this initiative, various types of Ukrainian drones could be procured, including interceptors as well as drones capable of medium- and long-range strikes. Ukrainian drone manufacturers have significantly expanded their capabilities in recent years. Drones have become one of the key elements of modern warfare, and Ukraine is actively developing its own production.
Ukraine and the UK Are Deepening Their Partnership
Yevhen Khmara stated that Ukraine is interested in a long-term and mutually beneficial defense partnership with the United Kingdom. According to him, Ukraine is ready to share its own experience in modern warfare and technological solutions that have already proven effective on the battlefield.
“We are building a long-term and mutually beneficial defense partnership with the United Kingdom. Ukraine is grateful for its unwavering support. For our part, we are ready to share our experience in modern warfare and solutions that have already proven effective on the battlefield,” Khmara said. The United Kingdom has remained one of Ukraine’s most active military partners since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
What is known so far
During the first conversation between Britain’s new Defense Minister Wes Streeting and his Ukrainian counterpart, the parties identified the main areas for further cooperation. These include the development of Ukrainian aviation, strengthening air defense, countering Russian drones, and supporting the production of Ukrainian drones. Ukraine continues to work with its allies to secure more capabilities to defend its airspace and strengthen its defenses in the war against Russia.
