The UK has partnered with New Zealand to deliver unmanned military systems for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The initiative is part of bilateral cooperation between London and Wellington to aid Kyiv in its ongoing defense against Russia’s aggression while strengthening Britain’s national interest and overseas alliance.
For this project, Tauranga-based Syos Aerospace received 30 million pounds ($39.9 million) in contracts to produce an undisclosed number of its flagship drones for Ukraine.
The New Zealand company will leverage its UK facility in Fareham, Hampshire, to assemble the systems.
This will support 45 newly created roles and about nine more British organizations from subcontracts throughout the effort.
Included in Syos’ product portfolio are the SA200 helicopter drone, the SA5 VTOL intelligence and surveillance aircraft, the SG400 6×6 ground vehicle, and the SM300 surface vessel.
‘Shoulder-to-Shoulder’ Cooperation
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, Britain and New Zealand’s teaming for Ukraine supports London’s “Plan for Change” commitment to establish “a stable economy, secure borders, and national security” through home-grown capabilities.
It also aligns with a 31-country “Coalition of the Willing” alliance, which has pledged support for the Ukrainian government amidst the Russian invasion.
Since Moscow’s attack on Ukraine in 2022, the New Zealand Defence Force has supported its British and other global counterparts in training over 54,000 soldiers under the UK-led “Operation Interflex” boot camp.
In the future, New Zealand will deploy its Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha to join the UK Carrier Strike Group in the Indian Ocean to further extend both countries’ dedication to uphold allied security across the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East.
“From the beaches of Gallipoli, to the vital work we have been doing together on Operation Interflex and our support for Ukraine, the UK and New Zealand have stood shoulder-to-shoulder for generations in pursuit of peace and stability,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated.
“As the world becomes an increasingly dangerous place, I am proud how much we are doing together to support our national and economic security – stepping up our defence spending, deploying our navies together in the Indo-Pacific, and continuing our work to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to deter an increasingly aggressive Russia.”
