Britain Orders Altius Drones for Ukrainian Military

The United Kingdom has ordered the Altius 600M and Altius 700M multi-purpose drones for Ukraine, which will be used for reconnaissance and strike missions, British Defense Minister John Healy announced during a visit to Anduril’s U.S. office.

The Defence Equipment & Support procurement service, with funding from the “International Fund for Ukraine,” has signed contracts worth £30 million for the supply of Altius 600M and 700M unmanned systems. 

The British division of Anduril UK will start delivering drones, launchers, and spare parts to Ukraine within the next few months.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive advanced strike drones to counter Russian aggression in the Black Sea, in line with the agreement between the UK government and Anduril, according to the British defense ministry.

The Altius 600M drones were first ordered by the U.S. government in 2023 as part of international military aid to Ukraine.

Altius 600M and 700M

The Altius 600M is a multi-purpose unmanned system with a modular design, capable of carrying payloads up to 3 kilograms, including combat units for kamikaze missions, optical stations, and electronic warfare equipment. 

The 12-kilogram drone, measuring 1 meter long with a wingspan of 2.54 meters, is launched from a transport-launch container using a pneumatic system.

Once launched, its wings unfold, and the two-blade propeller engine activates. It can remain airborne for up to 4 hours, covering a range of up to 440 km.

The drone is controlled by an operator from a ground control station or in autonomous mode along a programmed route. At the same time, it can stay in the air for up to 4 hours and cover a distance of up to 440 km.

The Altius 700M, a heavier version, has a 15-kilogram warhead and is designed for long-range strikes, with a range of 160 km and a patrol time of 75 minutes. The drone is positioned as a strike vehicle for hitting targets at long distances.

In addition, Militarnyi recently reported that the UK is developing the Wasp and Snapper naval drones to further enhance Ukrainian capabilities in the Black Sea.