Lessons from Ukraine war inspiring new £4.5bn drone strategy

A new strategy backed by at least £4.5bn of investment over the next decade will speed up access to uncrewed systems for the UK's Armed Forces, inspired by lessons learnt from the use of drones in Ukraine.

The UK Defence Drone Strategy will harness innovative capabilities across UK defence, including the use of rapid experimentation, testing and evaluation of uncrewed platforms, and unifying the approach of the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force.

"The conflict in Ukraine has been an incubator for new ways of war and we need to learn and implement those hard-fought lessons," said Defence Procurement Minister James Cartlidge.

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Mr Cartlidge said: "Rapidly being able to develop and upgrade uncrewed systems will be key to gaining battlefield advantage and we must seize this opportunity to grow and sustain such skills and capabilities in the UK. 

"The strategy brings together a clear, unified focus – backed by billions in funding – while providing the flexibility to meet different requirements in the air, over land and at sea.

"Ultimately, this is about learning the lessons from the Ukrainian frontline to procure drones at scale for the United Kingdom's Armed Forces."

Inspired by the battlefields of Ukraine, drone warfare is viewed as game-changing technology in terms of warfare and will become a key part of the British Armed Forces' future.

The UK recently signed an agreement with Latvia to send thousands of drones to Ukraine.

The new approach will see uncrewed systems delivered at pace into the hands of the British Armed Forces, equipping personnel with critical, intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance, strike, and logistical capabilities.

The UK Defence Drone Strategy will help Armed Forces personnel meet the requirements of battlefield adaptation which have also proved effective against Russia.

Commander of Strategic Command General Jim Hockenhull said: "This strategy, backed by significant investment, offers the opportunity to transform our approach to the acquisition, integration, and exploitation of uncrewed systems.

"The partnership with industry will be vital to ensure we harness innovation and generate world-leading capability. 

"Integrating advanced uncrewed systems into our suite of capabilities will protect the force, deter our adversaries and, when necessary, help us to fight and win."