Displaying items by tag: defence policy

The UK is strengthening its support for Ukraine with a major new package of military and financial aid, as international leaders meet to coordinate ongoing assistance. Rachel Reeves is expected to confirm a £752 million payment to Ukraine, part of a wider £3.36 billion loan, aimed at funding critical military equipment such as long-range missiles, air defence systems, and drones. Also, defence secretary John Healey has announced the UK’s largest-ever drone supply, with 120,000 units to be delivered. These include reconnaissance, strike, logistics, and maritime drones, many produced by British companies. As drone warfare increasingly shapes the conflict, Ukrainian forces have already demonstrated new tactical capabilities using drone technology alone. UK leaders have urged global partners not to lose focus in supporting Ukraine despite other international conflicts.

Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, has warned that the nation needs more people prepared to defend the country amid growing global instability and rising threats from Russia. He called for a 'whole-of-society response' to deter conflict, stressing the importance of strengthening regular forces, reserves, cadets, and the defence workforce. While he said the likelihood of a direct Russian attack on the UK remains remote, he highlighted intensifying hybrid threats, including cyber-attacks, suspected sabotage, and hostile surveillance near UK waters. He described Russia’s military as increasingly sophisticated, combat-experienced, and expanding in hard power, despite setbacks in Ukraine. The UK, he said, must become a 'harder target' to avoid war rather than provoke it. Building national resilience, he argued, goes beyond military strength and includes universities, industry, energy, healthcare, and manufacturing. With defence spending set to rise sharply, he emphasised the need to inspire young people to pursue careers supporting national security. Recent investments include £50 million for new defence technical colleges to address critical skills gaps.