In a bold step towards deeper military cooperation, the United Kingdom and Ukraine have unveiled what officials call a “megaproject” to manufacture drones on British soil jointly. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov announced the initiative on Tuesday, hailing it as a transformative effort to boost both nations’ defence capabilities and technological edge.

Under the agreement reached between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the UK will fund the procurement of various types of Ukrainian-designed drones over the next three years. These UAVs will be built in the UK as part of the collaborative venture.

“This is more than just a defence contract — it’s the beginning of a powerful new partnership,” Umerov wrote in a Facebook post. 

“British defence firms will gain the capacity to rapidly design and manufacture cutting-edge drones at scale. During wartime, all production will be directed exclusively towards the needs of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Once peace is restored, both nations will share the manufactured systems.”

The initiative is set to strengthen industrial ties and accelerate the development of advanced drone technologies. According to Umerov, the project not only supports Ukraine’s immediate military needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term innovation and joint industrial growth.

“I want to express our deep gratitude to the British government and the British people for their unwavering support,” the Ukrainian Defence Minister added.

The announcement follows high-level talks in London, where Prime Minister Starmer confirmed that the UK and Ukraine had reached a formal agreement on joint defence-industrial cooperation. President Zelensky, in turn, praised the initiative as a critical boost to Ukraine’s air defence and a symbol of enduring international solidarity.

The project is seen as a major strategic step for both countries, combining Ukrainian battlefield experience with British manufacturing power to produce next-generation unmanned aerial systems.

Source: PAP

Photo: @DefenceU

Tomasz Modrzejewski