Latest news with #DroneCoalition
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Turkey, Belgium to join drone coalition for Ukraine
Turkey and Belgium are set to join the international Drone Coalition supporting Ukraine, Latvia's Defense Minister Andris Spruds announced on May 28 during the Drone Summit in Riga. The coalition, co-led by Latvia and the United Kingdom, is expected to allocate 2.75 billion euros ($3.1 billion) in 2025 to support Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. "The international Drone Coalition is becoming increasingly stronger — we will be able to deliver more drones to Ukraine while simultaneously strengthening the defense industries of Latvia, the EU, and NATO countries," Spruds said. "Our strength lies in unity." With the addition of Belgium and Turkey, the Drone Coalition will grow to 20 member states. The coalition, officially launched in February 2024, includes countries such as the U.K., Germany, Canada, France, Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine, among others. Each new member must be approved by existing coalition states, according to the memorandum of understanding. Since its inception, the coalition has committed a total of 4.5 billion euros ($5 billion) in aid to Ukraine over two years, including 1.8 billion euros ($2 billion) in 2024 and the planned 2.75 billion euros ($3.1 billion) for 2025. The Drone Coalition plays crucial role in supporting Ukraine's use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which have become key in targeting Russian military infrastructure, including airfields, oil depots, and logistics hubs deep inside Russian territory. In March, the coalition allocated 20 million euros ($22.5 million) from a joint fund to procure tactical reconnaissance drones for Ukraine, following an urgent request from Kyiv. The coalition complements Ukraine's domestic initiatives such as the "Drone Line," launched in February, which aims to accelerate battlefield drone deployment. Read also: Ukrainian drones hit Russian cruise missile factory, SBU source says, in one of largest reported strikes of full-scale war We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Drone Coalition allocates almost $22 million for Ukraine's reconnaissance drones
The partner countries of the Drone Coalition have allocated 20 million euros ($21.6 million) from a common fund to procure tactical-level reconnaissance drones for Ukraine, the Defense Ministry announced on March 24. "We are grateful to our partners for responding to this critical need. Prompt response and flexibility in making this decision are important, especially now when the Defense Forces need them most," said Deputy Defense Minister for Digitalization Kateryna Chernohorenko. The drones are expected to be delivered within three months. The allied initiative, co-led by the U.K. and Latvia, was launched in January 2024 to strengthen Ukraine's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities, a key factor in modern warfare. By late 2024, nearly 20 countries had joined the coalition. Kyiv has increasingly relied on long-range drones to strike deep into Russian territory, targeting military infrastructure, airfields, oil refineries, and logistical hubs. On March 11, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses intercepted 337 drones across multiple regions, including 74 shot down near Moscow, marking what seems to be Ukraine's largest drone attack during the full-scale war. Kyiv has developed missile-drone hybrids, such as the Palianytsia and Peklo models, which feature turbojet engines as cost-effective alternatives to cruise missiles. President Volodymyr Zelensky has ordered the production of at least 30,000 long-range drones in 2025. Read also: Fire at Russian oil depot in Krasnodar Krai continues for 5th day after drone strike, authorities claim We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Zelenskyy and Norwegian PM discuss cooperation in arms production
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: The meeting focused on the efforts needed to establish a just and lasting peace. "A key focus was on Ukraine's arms production, particularly long-range missiles and drones. Norway is already directly investing in our domestic defence industry, and we agreed to continue this cooperation," Zelenskyy said. He thanked Norway for all its assistance to Ukraine and said he hopes the amount of defence support will increase in the course of the year. Background: Norway recently announced that it is joining the Drone Coalition. In addition, Norway has announced its intention to provide Ukraine with additional air defence equipment worth NOK 1.2 billion (almost US$107 million). For reference: The drone coalition, which provides Ukraine with unmanned aerial vehicles, was established in 2023 and is led by Latvia and the United Kingdom. Support UP or become our patron!
