UK announces over $110M for Ukraine's air defense capability

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - UK on Friday announced further military aid worth $114.6 million to strengthen Ukraine's air defense.

In a statement, Britain's Ministry of Defense said that three contracts have been signed to deliver air defense equipment to Ukraine worth more than £90 million ($114.6 million) on behalf of the International Fund for Ukraine.

"These include a £56 million counter-uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) contract with Norwegian defence company Kongsberg and two further contracts to provide further air defence capabilities," read the statement.

This comes as delivery begins of a new package of drones to Ukraine by the fund.

"These air defence systems have the capability and flexibility to be rapidly deployed to either protect Ukraine’s civilian population and infrastructure, or be put to use on the frontline," Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said in the statement.

The fund highlights the unity and resolve of allies to work together to provide Ukraine with "cutting-edge equipment" to meet its requirements, he added.

So far, more than £770 million (over $980 million) has been raised through the funding mechanism following contributions from the UK, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland and Lithuania.

The ministry vowed to continue supporting Ukraine through 2023 with additional munition and equipment.