Several countries have joined the U.K.-led drone coalition fund to facilitate joint procurement for rapid drone deliveries to Ukraine, as stated by defense ministers on July 10. The memorandum of understanding, signed during the NATO summit, has already received pledges totaling 45 million euros ($49 million) from countries like the Netherlands, the U.K., Latvia, New Zealand, and Sweden, with more donations expected.
The primary goal of the drone coalition is to provide Kyiv with one million FPV drones, along with other types such as reconnaissance, strike drones, AI-upgraded drones, and counter-drone capabilities. The coalition aims to leverage national industrial capacities through joint procurement initiatives.
Leading the charge, Riga and London will be sending over 2,500 combat drones of various types to Ukraine in July. Additionally, Ukraine aims to upscale domestic production to manufacture at least 1 million drones by 2024, primarily used for military operations deep into Russian territory.
Ukraine’s use of drones has become a crucial element of its military strategy, with the country’s drone companies facing challenges such as limited government support and the need for international partnerships to thrive in the industry.