Britain will send 650 anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine as latest support

Smoke rises from the outskirts of the city during a Russian missile and drone attack as part of the Russian attack on Ukraine on August 26, 2024. Source: Reuters/Vladyslav Musiienko/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) – The British government said on Friday, September 6, 2024, that it would supply Ukraine with 650 lightweight multi-role missiles worth 162 million pounds ($213 million or 192 million euros) to protect the country from Russian drones and bombing attacks.

Russia launched its largest airstrike on Ukraine last week since the all-out war began in early 2022. Ukraine has repeatedly asked for more air defense support to protect itself from missile and drone attacks.

The new missile delivery was announced as British Defense Secretary John Healey attended the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, an ad hoc coalition of about 50 nations, at a U.S. air base in Germany.

The Defense Ministry said the first shipment of missiles announced on Friday is expected to arrive by the end of the year, in line with the new government's commitment to speed up aid deliveries to Ukraine.

“This new commitment will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s air defense.Healey said in a statement.

The Ministry of Defence said Thales' missiles would have a range of more than six kilometres and could be fired from a variety of platforms on land, sea and air.

Last Monday, Russia fired more than 200 missiles and drones at Ukraine, killing seven people and hitting energy facilities across the country. Kyiv called it the “war of recent years.”most massive” Attack.