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UK Sends Gas Masks to Ukraine to Guard Against Chemical and Nuclear Threats
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
The United Kingdom will provide Ukraine with a new batch of military-grade gas masks to enhance protection against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, the British Ministry of Defense (MoD) confirmed on Monday.
According to Defense Blog on June 23, the £10.2 million order will be produced by Avon Technologies, a UK-based defense manufacturer known for its NATO-standard FM50 respirator.
A version of this system, designated M50, is currently used by US military personnel.
The MoD said the equipment will support ongoing British military assistance to Ukraine and is intended to safeguard personnel operating in high-risk areas. The gas masks will be deployed to Ukrainian frontline units as soon as logistics allow. The exact quantity and delivery timeline were not disclosed.
Avon’s FM50 respirator provides full-face protection against a range of CBRN agents. Its lightweight design and low breathing resistance are optimized for extended use in combat conditions. The system is currently in service with multiple NATO member states.
According to Avon Technologies CEO Jos Sclater, the order reflects the UK’s strategic commitment to strengthening its defense industrial base while continuing military support to Ukraine, as outlined in the 2025 Strategic Defense Review.
The delivery comes amid ongoing international concern regarding Russia’s use of chemical agents in Ukraine. In October 2024, the UK imposed sanctions on several Russian military officials for violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention, citing admissions of battlefield use of hazardous substances.
The US State Department has also reported the use of agents such as chloropicrin and tear gas by Russian forces during operations.
Steve Elwell, President of Avon Protection, stated that the UK has maintained long-standing reliance on the company’s protective equipment, including recent procurements of EXOSKIN gloves and boots. The current contract extends that capability to Ukrainian forces.
Earlier, Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian BM-21 Grad launcher reportedly loaded with chemical munitions in Donetsk, according to the K-2 unit on June 17. Intercepted radio communications revealed that Russian troops were told to don gas masks, suggesting the rockets contained toxic agents.
