The Drone Coalition member nations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for the international supply of drones to Ukraine.
The coalition comprises Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, New Zealand, Poland and Latvia. To date, the Netherlands, the UK, Latvia, New Zealand, and Sweden have pledged in total over EUR45M to the common fund, with additional contributions anticipated.
Latvia is providing a drone testing training range for industry and military to continuously improve drone technology. The UK launched an industry competition on behalf of the Drone Coalition to develop and procure First Person View (FPV) drones, of which 265 bids were received. These bids are currently being evaluated and the first contracts are expected to be signed in August.
Ukraine has a high demand for a wide spectrum and capacity of drones, and the Drone Coalition is planning to deliver one million FPV drones to Ukraine. The MoU commits to providing Ukraine with drones and components produced by the industry of Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) countries, as well as finding ways to support Ukrainian manufacturers to ensure that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are equipped with the most efficient capabilities.
The framework established in the MoU outlines the coalition’s core activities, management structure procurement mechanisms.
In addition to the FPV drones, coalition members are working to provide other types of uncrewed aerial systems including reconnaissance, strike drones, AI upgraded drones, as well as counter-drone capabilities.
A statement issued by the coalition’s member nations on July 10 reads: “Through the Drone Coalition we will be seeking joint procurement initiatives to utilise and expand national industrial capacities. We, nations of the Drone Coalition, encourage additional funding to be made available to achieve the coalition’s aims. The Drone Coalition remains open for other Allies and partners to join.”
For more information
Joint statement by the Drone Coalition
Image: Shutterstock
