(KYIV) – The United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Luxembourg have pledged an additional $30 million to support Ukraine’s defense efforts by enhancing its drone capabilities.
This announcement, made on November 19, 2024, is part of an ongoing international initiative to strengthen Ukraine’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) arsenal in the face of the Russian invasion.
The total contributions from the four countries include $9.5 million from the UK, $12.7 million from Germany, and $3.8 million each from Canada and Luxembourg. This new funding brings the total amount raised for the drone coalition to over $85 million, with the UK having contributed a substantial $19 million.
The coalition, co-led by Latvia and the UK, was formed on February 17, 2024, with the aim of enhancing Ukraine’s military capacity through improved drone technology. Alongside the founding nations, seven other countries have joined the effort, including Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Sweden, Estonia, and Denmark. These contributions are critical as Ukraine continues to battle against Russian forces, using drones for both reconnaissance and strike missions.
Ukraine is also scaling up its own drone production. The country is aiming to manufacture at least one million drones in 2024 to bolster its defense operations.