The British government is setting up a special fund to develop battle-winning solutions to support Ukraine’s Defense Forces.

This was reported on the website of the British Government.

This move is aimed at the UK military industry to accelerate the development of equipment for Ukraine.

The fund has a budget of £ 25 million.

The United Kingdom believes drawing on UK expertise across the defence industry, including from innovative small and medium-sized enterprises, could provide battle-winning solutions for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The UK Government is working closely with the industry and sees significant progress in the cooperation. It includes capabilities such as heavy lift Unmanned Aerial Systems and anti-tank loitering munitions, as well as adapting existing weapons systems.

For example, integrating Brimstone for use as a ground launched weapon.

“Recent months have shown the ingenuity and innovation of the UK defence sector. We want to ensure ongoing creativity is harnessed and directed at key requirements and all companies with a capability that can help are aware of the challenge,” the UK’s Defence Procurement Minister, Jeremy Quin said.

Eligible solutions must fall into one of the four following categories:

• Artillery – Procurement and manufacturing proposals to support the resupply of ammunition and the maintenance of Soviet calibre 152mm and 122mm weapon systems.
• Coastal defence – Supporting the deterrence of hostile naval forces, persistent surveillance, and delivery of attacks at range, including from autonomous or remotely-controlled vehicles.
• Military logistics and resupply – Maintenance and development of infrastructure for supply lines by sea and land, including waterways, overbridging and general Ukrainian engineering capability.
• Unmanned aerial systems – The provision of UAS capabilities across a broad spectrum of capabilities, from lethal effects to surveillance, electronic warfare and heavy lift.

Industry organisations will need to submit proposals by June 10th, when a sift will take place to access the funding, with at least £25 million available.

The initial focus is on equipment that can be sourced and supplied in the next four months, with longer-term capability development in scope.