The UK will boost Ukraine's air defence with 350 missiles using
funds from seized Russian assets, helping to protect Ukrainians
from Putin's attacks.
The ASRAAM missiles can be fired using the RAVEN Ground Based Air
Defence System supplied by the UK to Ukraine, with five more
RAVEN systems due for imminent delivery, bringing the total to
13.
Initially used as air-to-air missiles fired from fighter jets,
RAF engineers adapted ASRAAM in just three months to be launched
from the back of a UK designed and built truck, working with a
British defence industry team from MBDA UK, based in
Bolton.
The UK, together with allies, is stepping up its support for
Ukraine – providing £4.5 billion of military support this year –
more than ever before. This support is vital to European
security but is also supporting economic growth across the UK,
supporting the Prime Minister's Plan for Change and delivering a
defence dividend across the UK.
The missiles will be funded using £70m worth of interest
generated from seized Russian assets under the Extraordinary
Revenue Acceleration (ERA) scheme.
Prime Minister said:
“Russia, not Ukraine, should pay the price for Putin's barbaric
and illegal war, so it is only right we use the proceeds from
seized Russian assets to ensure Ukraine has the air defence it
needs.
“The security of Ukraine is vital to the security of the UK and
the Euro-Atlantic area, and our support will never waiver.
“My message to President Putin is clear: Russia needs to stop its
indiscriminate attacks on innocent Ukrainian people and return to
the negotiating table.”
It comes as the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary and Foreign
Secretary join NATO leaders for the Alliance's annual summit in
the Hague, where they will meet counterparts to discuss
de-escalation efforts in the Middle East, as well as further
military support for Ukraine.
Defence Secretary MP said:
“Ukrainians are continuing to fight with huge courage –
civilians and military alike. I am committed to ensuring Ukraine
has the support they need to put them in the strongest possible
position to secure peace.
“Russia's indiscriminate missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian
cities show that Putin is not serious about peace, and it's right
that we use funds from seized Russian assets to help Ukraine
defend itself from this onslaught.
“These air defence missiles will save Ukrainian lives, using
equipment developed jointly by British military engineers and our
defence industry - showing how we are delivering on our Strategic
Defence Review's commitment to learn lessons from
Ukraine.”
In March, the Prime Minister announced a historic £1.6 billion
deal to provide more than five thousand air defence missiles for
Ukraine - creating 200 new jobs and supporting a further 700.
Defence supports more than 434,000 skilled jobs in the UK.
The UK will also invest a record £350m this year to increase the
supply of drones to Ukraine from a target of 10,000 in 2024 to
100,000 in 2025.
The UK has sent around 400 different capabilities to Ukraine,
with a £150 million package including drones, tanks and air
defence systems announced on 12 February 2025, a £225 million
package including drones, boats and munitions announced on 19
December 2024, and 650 lightweight multirole missiles announced
on 6 September 2024.
The UK is absolutely committed to securing a just and lasting
peace in Ukraine and are engaging with key allies in support of
this effort.
