Ukraine to attract major UK loan for missiles and air defence systems, PM confirms

On 11 June, the Ukrainian government approved a plan to secure a loan of nearly £1.7 billion (around $2.2 billion) from the United Kingdom to bolster its military capabilities with new weapons acquisitions.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal made the announcement during a Cabinet meeting, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

According to Shmyhal, the funds will be allocated for the purchase of Rapid Ranger air defence systems and Martlet lightweight multi-purpose missiles, which he said would “significantly enhance our air defence and our capacity to repel the enemy.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted recent British commitments, noting that earlier this month the UK unveiled a record-breaking £350 million aid package aimed at supplying drones to Ukraine. This funding will enable the delivery of 100,000 unmanned aerial vehicles by the end of the year.

“We sincerely thank our British allies for this extraordinary support, which is helping us move closer to a just peace,” Shmyhal stated.

The UK government had previously revealed plans to scale up its UAV deliveries to Ukraine by a factor of ten in 2025, with 100,000 drones expected to be handed over. The British Ministry of Defence described this unprecedented £350 million ($470 million) investment in unmanned technology as part of the UK’s broader £4.5 billion ($6.1 billion) military aid commitment for the year.

In addition to UK support, other international partners have stepped up their assistance to Ukraine. Canada, for instance, recently announced a new military aid package worth more than 35 million Canadian dollars (approximately $25.5 million). Of this, C$30 million will be directed toward the procurement of Coyote and Bison armoured vehicles, along with various equipment and ammunition from Canadian manufacturers. The remaining C$5 million is earmarked for electronic warfare systems.

Meanwhile, in early June, the Netherlands also pledged further military support. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced a €400 million package, which will include warships, smaller boats, and maritime drones.

By Tamilla Hasanova