Ukraine’s air defence boosted as UK ramps up interceptor drone production

The United Kingdom is poised to significantly increase production of Ukrainian Octopus interceptor drones, with output expected to reach 1,000 units per month by February 2026.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the development following a meeting with his British counterpart, John Healey, in Kyiv, underscoring the deepening defence collaboration between the two nations, Caliber.Az reports.

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The UK has already made a significant contribution to strengthening our ability to repel russian terror. Starting in February, we are reaching production of 1,000 Octopus interceptor drones per month. We also discussed in detail:
🔹 opportunities for joint strategic industrial… pic.twitter.com/Qqn4AIXfE8

— Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) January 9, 2026

"The UK has already made a significant contribution to strengthening our ability to repel Russian terror. Starting in February, we are reaching production of 1,000 Octopus interceptor drones per month. We also discussed in detail:

opportunities for joint strategic industrial projects in air defense and long-range weapons; prospects for localizing the production of Swedish Gripen aircraft, which incorporate technologies from British companies; strengthening the protection of Ukraine’s maritime domain; preparations for the February UDCG meeting.

I am sincerely grateful to the United Kingdom for its invaluable support. Thank you to John Healey for his personal leadership and consistent assistance to Ukraine," Shmyhal noted.

By Vafa Guliyeva