London, 24 November 2022 (TDI): The United Kingdom (UK) will provide military aid of 10,000 artillery rounds and helicopters to Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion started in February, these will be the first piloted aircraft that the UK will send to Ukraine.
Aid provided by the UK
Ben Wallace, Defense Secretary of the UK announced the aid on 23rd November on his visit to Norway. He said that the first delivery of the Sea King helicopter will help Ukraine in key search rescue operations.
The Sea King, which was retired from the Navy in 2018, had previously served in both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.
This announcement was made after a visit of UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, to Kyiv. He also announced defense aid of £50m to Ukraine.
The aid also included 125 anti-craft weapons, radars, and equipment for electronic warfare against lethal drones supplied by Iran.
Wallace added that an additional 10,000 artillery rounds were being delivered to Ukraine. These will assist Ukraine in securing the land it recently reclaimed from the invading forces.
The UK is also providing winter kits to Ukraine’s Army as they fight to liberate their country from Russian invaders. In addition to heated housing and individual winter clothing, the UK is also providing heavy-duty sleeping bags and roll mats.
These will assist avoid cold-related injuries and ensure that troops can function effectively and efficiently.
Meeting of Defense Secretary
It must be noted that the Defense Secretary will attend a meeting in Norway of the Northern Group of Defense Ministers onboard the UK’s aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The meeting will be held to discuss the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, security developments in Northern Europe, and Sweden and Finland’s aspirations to join NATO.
The Northern Group seeks to encourage more clear, effective, and efficient defense and security cooperation in northern Europe.
It consists of 12 countries: Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, and Lithuania.
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