UK Joins Allies in Swift Delivery of Air Defence Equipment to Ukraine

Casablanca , June 16, 2023 - The United Kingdom, alongside the United States, Denmark, and the Netherlands, has announced june 15th , its contribution to the urgent provision of crucial air defence equipment to Ukraine. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace revealed that the UK is actively involved in delivering hundreds of short and medium-range air defence systems, primarily comprising Soviet-era missiles.

The delivery process has already commenced and is expected to be finalized within a matter of weeks. This move reinforces the ongoing assistance extended by the UK to Ukraine, following the recent provision of long-range Storm Shadow missiles, which are British-French low-observable, air-launched cruise missiles. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had also declared last week that the United Kingdom intends to donate additional air defence systems and long-range attack drones, aiming to support Ukraine's Armed Forces in their critical operational requirements while safeguarding essential national infrastructure.

Simultaneously, during a meeting of defence ministers from the Joint Expeditionary Force partner nations (JEF) in Amsterdam, the Defence Secretary announced that the UK would further commit £250 million to the international fund for Ukraine. Additionally, a new package of vital air force defence capabilities, amounting to £92 million, was unveiled.

The upcoming months will witness the procurement of essential equipment by the International Fund of Ukraine (IFU) to bolster the country's ability to protect its critical national infrastructure, civilian population, and front-line personnel. The package includes the provision of radars to safeguard against indiscriminate Russian strikes, as well as guns and a substantial amount of ammunition. Notably, numerous countries, such as Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, and Lithuania, have all made contributions to this fund.

Furthermore, Ukraine has recently received further support in the form of Challenger 2 main battle tanks, armored vehicles, and self-propelled guns. Complementary training programs have also been conducted to enhance the skills of Ukrainian infantry, marines, and pilots.

These collective efforts reflect the commitment of the international community to aid Ukraine in fortifying its defence capabilities while responding to the ongoing security challenges it faces. The provision of advanced air defence equipment and ongoing collaboration underscore the determination to support Ukraine's sovereignty and safeguard regional stability.