UK Unveils £1.6 Billion Missile Agreement for Ukraine Amid Persistent Conflict
After the summit with European leaders, Keir Starmer announces a support package designed to strengthen Ukraine's defenses.
Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has unveiled a £1.6 billion missile deal to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities during a summit with 17 European leaders and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in London.
This initiative is viewed as part of a larger effort to secure peace for Ukraine, as discussions with allies continue regarding future support and military collaboration.
The meeting, hosted at Lancaster House, underscored the creation of a 'coalition of the willing,' comprising various European countries ready to dispatch troops to assist Ukraine should a peace agreement be established.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine attended the summit, amidst ongoing conversations about the international response to the conflict.
In a televised speech, Starmer reaffirmed his steadfast support for Ukraine, highlighting his personal dedication to resolving the conflict sparked by Russia and ensuring that Ukraine achieves enduring peace based on sovereignty and security.
He pointed out the link between national security and economic stability, asserting that military support for Ukraine will also benefit the UK economy and generate jobs.
The missile agreement specifically allows Ukraine to use £1.6 billion in export finance to procure over 5,000 lightweight multi-role missiles (LMM), which will be produced in Belfast.
This arrangement is expected to create around 200 jobs in Northern Ireland and support an additional 700 jobs across the UK.
Starmer mentioned that this new support package comes after the UK government's commitment to raise defense spending to 2.5% of national income by 2027, with plans for a further increase to 3% in subsequent parliamentary terms, around 2034. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the importance of this support, which aims to protect Ukraine from immediate threats and deter future aggressions.
This missile deal forms part of a broader strategy under the Ministry of Defence’s Hirst taskforce, which focuses on fostering long-term partnerships with Ukrainian industries to enhance their defense capabilities.
It complements the 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine, established earlier this year, committing £3 billion annually in export finance for military purchases from UK companies.
UK National Armaments Director Andy Start described this agreement as a major advancement for the taskforce, reinforcing the ongoing support from the UK defense industry for Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict.
The partnership seeks to ensure that Ukraine has access to essential military resources to strengthen its defense both in the short and long term.
This initiative is viewed as part of a larger effort to secure peace for Ukraine, as discussions with allies continue regarding future support and military collaboration.
The meeting, hosted at Lancaster House, underscored the creation of a 'coalition of the willing,' comprising various European countries ready to dispatch troops to assist Ukraine should a peace agreement be established.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine attended the summit, amidst ongoing conversations about the international response to the conflict.
In a televised speech, Starmer reaffirmed his steadfast support for Ukraine, highlighting his personal dedication to resolving the conflict sparked by Russia and ensuring that Ukraine achieves enduring peace based on sovereignty and security.
He pointed out the link between national security and economic stability, asserting that military support for Ukraine will also benefit the UK economy and generate jobs.
The missile agreement specifically allows Ukraine to use £1.6 billion in export finance to procure over 5,000 lightweight multi-role missiles (LMM), which will be produced in Belfast.
This arrangement is expected to create around 200 jobs in Northern Ireland and support an additional 700 jobs across the UK.
Starmer mentioned that this new support package comes after the UK government's commitment to raise defense spending to 2.5% of national income by 2027, with plans for a further increase to 3% in subsequent parliamentary terms, around 2034. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the importance of this support, which aims to protect Ukraine from immediate threats and deter future aggressions.
This missile deal forms part of a broader strategy under the Ministry of Defence’s Hirst taskforce, which focuses on fostering long-term partnerships with Ukrainian industries to enhance their defense capabilities.
It complements the 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine, established earlier this year, committing £3 billion annually in export finance for military purchases from UK companies.
UK National Armaments Director Andy Start described this agreement as a major advancement for the taskforce, reinforcing the ongoing support from the UK defense industry for Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict.
The partnership seeks to ensure that Ukraine has access to essential military resources to strengthen its defense both in the short and long term.
