Key points
- Britain and Ukraine agree to supply 5,000 Thales air defence missiles, boosting both countries' defence capabilities.
- The UK will provide up to £283 million in aid to Ukraine to support defence, reconstruction, governance and the green transition.
- The agreement will be signed at the Conference on the Restoration of Ukraine in Rome, emphasizing support for Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression.
Britain announces agreement with Ukraine on Thales air defense missiles / Photo Thales
Britain and Ukraine sign historic deal to supply 5,000 Thales air defense missiles.
This was reported by Channel 24 , citing a statement from the British government.
What is known about the Thales missile agreement between Ukraine and Britain
The British government noted that this agreement will contribute to the growth of the UK economy and the creation of new jobs, and will also allow Ukraine to continue the fight against Russian aggression.
The parties will sign the agreement itself at the Conference on the Restoration of Ukraine, which is taking place in Rome, Italy.
This allows for the delivery of over 5,000 air defence missiles from the British company Thales, which will not only significantly strengthen the UK's defence capability but will also allow Ukraine to remain in the fight, strengthening its defences against an illegal full-scale Russian invasion, the statement said.
The UK also confirms it will provide up to £283 million in bilateral aid to Ukraine over the next year.
“This statement underlines our continued support for Ukraine – strengthening its air defences against devastating drone and missile attacks, and supporting the critical work of rebuilding that country and giving it the hope it needs,” said UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
The UK will also provide up to £10.5 million towards the Governance Reform Programme and up to £1 million to support Ukraine's Green Transition Office in the 2025-26 financial year to help Ukraine deliver future reforms.
£10.5 million will go towards efforts in the areas of rule of law, justice and anti-corruption, while £1 million will go towards funding work on Ukraine's green transition and energy sector.
