The UK will give multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) to Ukraine
to help the country defend itself against Russian aggression, the
Defence Secretary has announced.
The cutting edge M270 weapon
system, which can strike targets up to 80km away with
pinpoint accuracy, will offer a significant boost in capability
for the Ukrainian forces. The UK’s decision has been co-ordinated
closely with the US decision to gift the High Mobility Artillery
Rocket System (HIMARS) variant of MLRS.
Alongside the weapon system, the UK will also supply M31A1
munitions at scale.
The decision by comes in response to requests from Ukrainian forces
for longer range precision weapons in order to defend themselves
from Russian heavy artillery, which has been used to devastating
effect in the eastern Donbas region.
Defence Secretary said:
The UK stands with Ukraine in this fight and is taking a leading
role in supplying its heroic troops with the vital weapons they
need to defend their country from unprovoked invasion. If the
international community continues its support, I believe Ukraine
can win.
As Russia’s tactics change, so must our support to Ukraine. These
highly capable multiple-launch rocket systems will enable our
Ukrainian friends to better protect themselves against the brutal
use of long-range artillery, which Putin’s forces have used
indiscriminately to flatten cities.
Ukrainian troops will be trained on how to use the launchers in
the UK, so that they can maximise the effectiveness of the
systems. Britain previously announced that Ukrainian personnel
would be trained to use a variety of armoured vehicles which the
UK donated, including Mastiff,
Husky and Wolfhound.
The UK was the first European country to supply lethal aid to
Ukraine, and has since provided thousands of anti-tank missiles,
anti-air systems and armoured vehicles to Ukrainian forces.
Britain has also taken a leading role in coordinating
international donations of military aid, with hosting two international donor conferences to
coordinate support from 35 partner nations, while RAF aircraft
have moved thousands of tonnes of military assistance from donors
around the world to Ukraine.
The UK will continue to provide aid to ensure Ukraine has what it
needs to defend itself against brutal Russian aggression.
