"Breakthrough deal". UK to produce interceptor drones for Ukraine

The UK Ministry of Defense has announced its intention to sign an agreement with Ukraine on the exchange of technological know-how in the production of military drones. British companies are expected to produce thousands of them.

"The first joint project, to be announced at the DSEI trade show in London, is an advanced new air defence interceptor drone, named Project OCTOPUS, which will be mass produced in the UK, with a target to produce thousands per month to provide to Ukraine to support its ongoing fight for freedom against Putin’s illegal full-scale invasion.," the ministry said in a statement on its website.

The new interceptor was designed by Ukrainians with the support of British scientists and technicians and has already proven its effectiveness on the battlefield.

It successfully counteracts variants of Shahed strike drones used by Russia and costs less than 10% of the cost of the drones it intercepts, according to the report.

"Through this groundbreaking industrial partnership with Ukraine, and our new Defence Industrial Strategy, we are revving up our world-leading defence industry. This deal is a first of its kind, giving UK industry unprecedented access to the latest equipment designs, supporting Ukraine in its fight to defend against Putin’s illegal invasion and showing how defence can be an engine for growth," said Defense Secretary John Healey.

• This year, the UK is allocating a record £4.5 billion for military aid to Ukraine – the largest amount ever.
• Last month, the British Defense Secretary announced that the British training program for the Ukrainian military will continue until at least the end of 2026.
• In March, the Prime Minister announced a historic £1.6 billion contract to supply Ukraine with more than 5,000 air defense missiles. In addition, this year London is investing a record £350 million to increase drone production for Ukraine – from 10,000 units in 2024 to 100,000 in 2025.