Ryan FowlerThe UK has pledged a £4.5bn military aid package for Ukraine in 2025, including increased support for artillery production and air defence systems. This marks the UK’s largest military support commitment to Ukraine yet, with £3bn already allocated for lethal aid and the first £1.5bn from a £2.26bn G7 loan to fund major procurement projects.
Yorkshire-based Sheffield Forgemasters will begin producing artillery barrels for the first time in nearly 20 years under a £61m contract with BAE Systems. These barrels will be sent to Ukraine for finishing and integration, supporting the country’s ongoing resistance against Russian aggression.
The package will also fund hundreds of new air defence systems, drones, and equipment to sustain Ukrainian forces. Among the highlights is the deployment of Gravehawk, a UK-designed air defence system co-funded with Denmark. Gravehawk retrofits air-to-air missiles for ground-based defence and will bolster Ukraine’s ability to defend its cities and critical infrastructure. Fifteen Gravehawk systems will be delivered this year following successful prototype tests in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine: “Ukraine’s security is our security. We must continue to do everything possible to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest position. The British people have never wavered in their support for Ukraine, and today, UK firms are stepping up to support Ukraine’s military capabilities. We will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine.”
The package also includes expanded training programmes for Ukrainian troops. The UK will enhance its current efforts, which have already trained over 51,000 Ukrainian recruits, by providing officer training at Sandhurst and enabling British cadets to learn from Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Defence Secretary John Healey emphasised the broader impact of the support: “We are stepping up UK support for Ukraine throughout 2025. Our plan will increase Ukraine’s military capability, expand our training offer, strengthen defence industrial ties and dial up the pressure on Putin. This new package of support will help strengthen Ukraine’s position on the battlefield or at any negotiating table.”
