In a significant step forward in the United Kingdom’s military collaboration with Ukraine, the two nations have announced the formation of a joint venture to manufacture and supply Ukrainian-designed drones to the British Army. Skyeton Prevail Solutions, a partnership between Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton and U.K. defense company Prevail Solutions, will be responsible for the production and supply of the Raybird drone. This collaboration was unveiled on July 2 and marks a pivotal moment in military cooperation.
The joint venture is part of a broader effort to fast-track the production, supply, and integration of the Raybird into U.K. and Western military systems, as outlined in a joint statement released by the two companies. The partnership aims to scale the availability of the Raybird drone by setting up new manufacturing facilities in the UK, providing not only for military use but also for deployment in Ukraine itself.
This cooperation follows a significant industrial military co-production agreement signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in June. The agreement was hailed as an important step forward in military collaboration between the two nations, reflecting their shared commitment to countering Russian aggression. British lawmakers, including Iain Duncan Smith, have praised the initiative, describing it as a critical move for bolstering UK drone production.
The Raybird drone, developed by Ukrainian company Skyeton, has been deployed extensively in the ongoing conflict with Russia. According to reports, the drone has accumulated over 350,000 flight hours and has been instrumental in causing billions of dollars in Russian losses. The U.S. has also acknowledged the effectiveness of these drones, with the U.S. military recently expressing support for their deployment.
Ukraine has relied heavily on its own drone capabilities to meet its defense needs, as foreign aid has not been sufficient to fully address its military requirements. The development of the Raybird and its production in the UK represent a significant advancement in the country’s ability to defend itself and its allies. The joint venture is expected to enhance not only the military capabilities of the UK and Ukraine but also contribute to the broader NATO effort to counter Russian aggression.