London, April 16 (QNA) - The United Kingdom has announced the largest drone package in its history to support Ukraine, including at least 120,000 drones this year, in a move that also aims to boost economic growth and create jobs within the UK.

The announcement coincides with the visit of UK Defence Secretary John Healey to Berlin to co-chair the 34th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which includes 50 countries, alongside German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

This package was the largest of its kind provided by the UK and includes thousands of long-range drones, reconnaissance and intelligence drones, and logistical support drones, in addition to maritime capabilities, all of which have been field-tested on the front lines in Ukraine.

Deliveries of these drones have already begun this month.

Drones play a crucial role in Ukraine’s counteroffensive operations as well as in defending against ongoing Russian attacks. Russia launched around 6,500 one-way attack drones against Ukraine in March 2026, marking a significant increase compared to February.

In support of British companies, most of this investment will be directed toward UK-based firms, contributing to job creation while also strengthening Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.

This package was part of the broader military support provided by the UK to Ukraine, valued at GBP 3 billion this year. The Defence Secretary will also confirm the provision of hundreds of thousands of artillery shells and thousands of air defense missiles.

The move follows a new defense partnership agreement reached last month between the UK and Ukraine, aimed at strengthening global defense capabilities in response to the proliferation of low-cost, high-efficiency military technologies such as drones.

It also builds on a GBP500 million air defense package announced by the UK in February during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at NATO headquarters in Brussels. (QNA)