The extension aims to “deter President Vladimir Putin from further testing the Alliance,” Healey said, after RAF Typhoons patrolled Polish airspace in recent weeks following incursions by Russian drones.
NATO launched Eastern Sentry on Sept. 13 to reinforce the Alliance’s eastern flank after drones crossed into Poland on the night of Sept. 9–10.
In a statement, the defense ministry said the United Kingdom delivered more than 85,000 military-grade drones to Ukraine in the first six months of 2025, all made in British factories.
Healey disclosed for the first time that London invested £600 million in 2025 to speed deliveries, including FPV systems that he said play a “crucial role” in supporting Ukraine’s front line.
The drones are used for precision strikes, reconnaissance and disrupting Russian activity behind the lines, the statement added.
The ministry also confirmed it will send British counter-drone specialists to Moldova to train that country’s armed forces in tactics.
Overall, the government has committed £4.5 billion in 2025 for Ukraine’s defense, covering logistics drones that move equipment to the front, one-way attack systems, and surveillance and reconnaissance platforms.
As co-leader with Latvia of a “drone coalition,” the UK plans to procure advanced interceptor drones to help Ukraine counter Iranian-made systems used by Russia. Interceptor models are undergoing battlefield tests, and the coalition expects to deliver about 35,000 units of the new equipment in the coming months.
Healey’s announcement came on the eve of a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels convened by London and Berlin. EU and NATO defense ministers are also due to hold talks in Brussels on Wednesday.
(jh)
Source: PAP