The UK government has signed a £30 million ($39 million) deal with Anduril UK to supply Ukraine with Altius-600M and Altius-700M drones, aiming to enhance Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. The deal is backed by the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) and will include drones, launchers, and spare parts.
Defence Secretary John Healey, ahead of a meeting with U.S. officials at the Pentagon, visited Anduril’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. His visit follows a high-level summit in London, where leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, reaffirmed support for Ukraine.
The Altius drones are loitering munitions designed for reconnaissance and precision strikes, improving situational awareness on the battlefield. Healey stressed the UK’s commitment to securing lasting peace in Ukraine and preventing further Russian aggression.
The UK has already supplied over 10,000 drones to Ukraine and committed £1.6 billion in air defense missile assistance. The government has also provided £2.26 billion in financial support through seized Russian assets.
Dr. Rich Drake, Managing Director of Anduril UK, highlighted the partnership’s importance, noting the rapid delivery of critical capabilities for Ukraine. Since July 2024, the UK has provided over £5.26 billion ($6.7 billion) in military aid to Ukraine, including a £3 billion annual military commitment.