World
UK, Ukraine move to strengthen defence ties against drone threats
Britain and Ukraine are set to sign a new defence partnership focused on tackling the growing threat posed by low-cost drones, according to an announcement from Downing Street ahead of a visit by Ukraine’s leader on Tuesday.
The planned agreement comes amid rising global concerns over the use of drones in modern conflicts.
Since the outbreak of the US–Israeli war with Iran late last month, Iran has largely deployed ballistic missiles against Israel, while relying on drones to strike targets in Gulf states.
In a statement, the office of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK-Ukraine agreement is designed to “boost global defensive capability against the proliferation of low-cost, high-tech military hardware, including drones.”
Officials say the partnership will enhance cooperation between both countries in developing strategies and technologies to counter emerging drone threats, which have become a key feature of contemporary warfare.
It seeks to leverage Ukraine’s “expertise” in fending off drones from its years-long war with Russia, as well as Britain’s industrial base, “to manufacture and supply drones and innovative capabilities”.
“Drones, electronic warfare and rapid battlefield innovation are now central to national and economic security, and that has only been further magnified by the conflict in the Middle East,” Starmer said in the statement.
“By deepening our defence partnerships, we are strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend itself from Russia’s brutal, ongoing attacks, while ensuring the UK and our allies are better prepared to meet the threats of the future.”
The deal would also provide 500,000 pounds ($670,000) to fund an “AI Centre of Excellence” to be integrated into the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to London on Tuesday comes after he expressed concerns that global attention on the Middle East conflict could overshadow Ukraine’s war with Russia.
Ukraine’s European allies have vowed to keep up their support for Kyiv after Washington partly rolled back sanctions against Moscow to cool oil prices sent soaring by the Middle East war.
Follow Us on Google Discover
Pope Leo XIV set to leave hospital after lung cancer surgery
Gunmen kill four vigilantes in Plateau community
Tension as traditional ruler collapses, dies in Ondo
2027: Kwankwaso a goat in sheep’s clothing, secretly working for Tinubu – Atiku Campaign Council
DSS arrests Maina’s fugitive son in Abuja, hands him over to EFCC
2027: Step down if you are not working for Tinubu – Deji Adeyanju dares Obi, Kwankwaso
2027: ‘I wont join my Uncle to support Tinubu’ – Davido says
Enugu NYSC death: NAFDAC debunks claims linking corps members death to fake drugs
33 Governors cannot be wrong in supporting Tinubu – Bayo Onanuga
Security forces arrest five suspects over abduction of 20 NYSC members in Imo
Rugby star Hyron Andrews dies at 31 after accidental fall in South Africa
LAUTECH Resident Doctors halt 50-day strike as Makinde intervenes
House Officers, Nurses, Radiographers, Others wanted as DELSUTH opens recruitment – Apply Now
FG raises health fund allocation to N40.76bn, extends insurance to prison inmates
Erisco Foods announces 13 job openings across Nigeria – Apply Now
Erisco Foods announces 13 job openings across Nigeria – Apply Now
‘You Betrayed Osun People’ — Adeleke, Davido face backlash over support for Tinubu
Ex-Senator Bello Mandiya’s body found in Abuja home three days after he slipped, hit his head in the bathroom
Tinubu reappoints Bala Bila as INEC commissioner, nominates six others
House Officers, Nurses, Radiographers, Others wanted as DELSUTH opens recruitment – Apply Now
JUST IN: Finnish Appeal Court reduces Simon Ekpa’s jail term to four years, upholds terrorism conviction
‘I love Islam, I’ve sent people to Mecca to pray for me, Nigeria for 25 years’ – Akpabio
Over 10 soldiers, four civilians feared dead as Boko Haram terrorists attack Borno military base
Panic in Rivers community as pipeline explosion injures 20, razes over 50 houses
Umahi reopens first Niger bridge after emergency repairs, displays Tinubu’s photos
Elon Musk unveils Tesla’s ‘flying’ car in stunning demonstration
2027: Step down if you are not working for Tinubu – Deji Adeyanju dares Obi, Kwankwaso
Tension mounts as NLC rejects FG’s response to 14-day ultimatum
2027: Tinubu to miss rallies in over 20 States as APC releases campaign timetable
