UK Pledges £2 Billion for Drone Development Following Ukraine Battlefield Experience

The UK government will invest £2 billion (approximately $2.7 billion) in drone technology, drawing on Ukraine’s experience in drone warfare, The Guardian reported on June 3, citing the recently released Strategic Defense Review.

The review prioritizes both affordable strike drones and more expensive reusable systems. It also calls for establishing a dedicated drone center to facilitate knowledge sharing and improve coordination across the armed forces.

According to The Guardian, Defense Secretary John Healey told lawmakers the military will become “ten times more lethal” by combining drone and artificial intelligence technologies with heavy armor such as tanks and artillery.

The review describes drones as “an essential element of land warfare” and stresses the need to invest in strike drones, reconnaissance UAVs, and drone countermeasures.

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War in Ukraine

Inside Ukraine's AI-Drone Strike That Cost Russia $7 Billion and a Third of Its Bomber Jets

Jun 01, 2025 22:00

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine demonstrated how drones have transformed the modern battlefield, accounting for an estimated 70% of frontline losses.

As part of a broader commitment to enhance the UK’s combat readiness, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during a visit to BAE Systems’ shipyard in Glasgow, emphasized that defense reform responds to rising global security threats.

The Royal Navy plans to increase its fleet of destroyers and frigates from 14 to 25 vessels, reversing years of cuts and strengthening NATO’s maritime presence.

Separately, the UK is reportedly holding confidential talks with the Pentagon to acquire US fighter jets capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons.

Additionally, the government is investing £1.5 billion (approximately $2 billion) in at least six new factories to restore the country’s artillery ammunition production capacity.