The UK is to donate Altius-600M (pictured) and Altius-700M UASs to Ukraine for GBP30 million. (Anduril UK)
The United Kingdom is to provide Ukraine with millions of pounds worth of Altius tactical unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) from Anduril UK.
Announced by UK Defence Secretary John Healey during a visit to Anduril in Washington, DC, on 6 March, the GBP30 million (USD38.8 million) package will comprise Altius-600M and Altius-700M UASs.
“ Ukraine's armed forces will be backed by more advanced attack drones to tackle Russian aggression in the Black Sea, following a deal struck by the UK government and an Anglo-American defence technology company,” the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) said of the announcement, which was made ahead of a meeting between Healey and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth.
According to company literature, the Altius-600M is designed to accommodate multiple seeker and warhead options while doubling the loitering time and range of current market offerings. It is listed as having an endurance greater than four hours. The Altius-700M is a larger and more capable version of the same baseline design.
As noted by the MoD, the deal followed a meeting of world leaders in London the previous week, when UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and allies agreed it was essential that military support continues for Ukraine to put the country in the strongest possible position for peace as it continues to defend itself from Russian aggression.
“Ukraine's armed forces will take delivery of the drones, launchers, and spare parts over the coming months,” the MoD said.
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