The UK and Ukraine are set to agree a new world-leading partnership to boost global defensive capability against the proliferation of low-cost, high-tech military hardware, including drones.
The Prime Minister will host President Zelenskyy in the UK today [17 March 2026] as both Ukrainian and British drone experts continue to support partners in the Gulf from the continued barrage of Iranian attacks, News Cover reports, citing the UK government's official website.
It comes as the two leaders are expected to agree an enhanced security and defence industrial declaration, capitalising on Ukraine’s expertise and the UK’s industrial base to manufacture and supply drones and innovative capabilities.
As part of the agreement, the UK and Ukraine will also look at opportunities for increased defence industrial and technological cooperation with third countries, boosting international security and ensuring the latest defence technology is in the hands of those who need it most.
The UK will also fund a new AI Centre of Excellence that will sit within the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. This team of experts, backed by £500,000, will ensure AI is being utilised to its fullest to deliver a battlefield advantage. The UK will then in turn benefit from the lessons learned for our own defence - another example where our collaboration brings advantages for both countries.
