DE&S is ready to deliver after the UK Government announced a new £150m military package to support Ukrainian troops fighting Russia on the frontline.

This year the UK’s total commitment has reached its highest ever level, standing at £4.5 billion.

Defence leaders from across the world gathered in Brussels this week for the UK to convene a major Ukraine summit at NATO HQ, demonstrating the UK’s leadership and unwavering military support for Ukraine in its fight against Putin’s illegal invasion.

Over 50 allies and partners, including Ukraine, the US, Japan and Australia, met for the 26th Ukraine Defence Contact Group, chaired by Defence Secretary John Healey, the first time for any European nation.

Mr Healey said:

“2025 is the critical year for the war in Ukraine. Ukrainians continue to fight with huge courage – military and civilians alike, and their bravery – fused with our support – has proved a lethal combination.

“While Russia is weakened, it remains undeniably dangerous.  We must step up further – and secure peace through strength – together.”

The military support package announced this week which will be delivered by DE&S includes thousands of drones, dozens of battle tanks and armoured vehicles and air defence systems:

• The UK is on track to provide more than 10,000 drones to Ukraine in a single year, with final deliveries due next month.
• More than 50 armoured and protective vehicles, including modernised T-72 tanks to be deployed to Ukraine by the end of spring, building on the thousands of pieces of equipment the UK has already given to Ukraine.
• Air defence equipment which will support more than 100 Ukrainian air defence teams, with a 90% success rate of shooting down kamikaze drones, protecting Ukrainian critical national infrastructure including electricity sites frequently targeted by Russia. The UK and Denmark are also providing fifteen Gravehawks air defence systems to Ukraine.

The Defence Secretary also confirmed that the UK has now sent a landmark 500,000 rounds of ammunition to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, worth over £1 billion.

The military package also includes major new maintenance contracts to support in-country repairs to critical kit – helping keep Ukraine’s tanks and artillery in the fight and bringing broken equipment back into use.

That means thousands of pieces of military equipment the UK has already donated to Ukraine will be repaired and better maintained through contracts worth around £60 million.

UK defence firm Babcock will train Ukrainian personnel to maintain and repair crucial equipment such as Challenger 2 tanks, self-propelled artillery, and combat reconnaissance vehicles inside Ukraine. Through this agreement, equipment can be serviced and returned to the front line quicker.

David Lockwood, CEO of Babcock International Group, said:

“Ensuring Ukraine’s military vehicles and equipment are back in frontline action with no delay is critical. Babcock is proud to have the know-how and expertise to continue to support these operations for both the UK and Ukrainian governments.”

UK defence giant BAE Systems has also been awarded a £14 million contract, funded by Sweden and procured through the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine, to repair Archer artillery systems. Working with Lancashire-based firm AMS, repairs of the Swedish-gifted Archer systems will be carried out in Ukraine with Ukrainian soldiers given technical training so they can maintain equipment for years to come.