UK Defense Secretary John Healey announced Britain's largest single-year investment in Ukraine's air defense capabilities, totaling £600 million ($802 million), during the opening session of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, known as the Ramstein format.
"Anti-aircraft defense is an absolute priority. Therefore today I can confirm the UK's largest single-year investment in Ukraine's air defense. That's £600 million," Healey said at the meeting.
The minister emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that Russia has intensified its campaign against Ukrainian targets. "In just the last 2 months, 20,000 drone and missile attacks have been carried out. That's why we need to step up our actions. We need to step up our actions to put pressure on Putin," Healey said.
The £600 million ($802 million) package will include thousands of air defense systems, missiles, and automated turrets designed to shoot down drones. According to Healey, deliveries are already underway and will continue throughout 2026.
The minister also announced the upcoming production of new Octopus interceptor drones in Britain, with thousands of units set to arrive in Ukraine monthly. The UK Ministry of Defense previously identified Project Octopus as the first joint production initiative—an advanced air defense interceptor drone.
Ukraine and Britain signed an agreement on 11 September for the production of Ukrainian interceptor drones, laying the groundwork for the Octopus project.
Healey outlined the strategic objective behind the increased support: protecting Ukrainian civilians during the winter months when Russian attacks typically intensify. "Our mission is clear: support the fight today. Secure peace tomorrow. And if Putin chooses to continue this war next year, our message to Moscow is clear—the contact group will only become stronger, more united, and provide even more weapons for Ukrainian fighters throughout 2026," the defense secretary declared.
