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Australia has officially joined a ‘“Drone Coalition” in defence of Ukraine, with coalition plans to deliver more than 1 million first-person view drones to the war-torn country.
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Members of the Drone Coalition include Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, New Zealand, Poland, Latvia and now, Australia, according to statement released by the Australian government on 11 July.
The collection of countries was formally established on 14 February this year in an initiative proposed by Latvia and coordinated with the United Kingdom.
“We, members of the Drone Coalition have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which provides a framework outlining the coalition’s core activities, management structure procurement mechanisms,” according to a joint statement.
“With this MOU we establish the UK-led Drone Coalition Common Fund enabling joint procurement for rapid and efficient drone deliveries.
“So far, the Netherlands, the UK, Latvia, New Zealand, and Sweden have pledged in total over €45 million to the Common Fund, with additional contributions anticipated.
“The Drone Coalition is planning to deliver 1 million FPV drones to Ukraine. At the same time coalition members are working to provide other type of drones like reconnaissance, strike drones, AI upgraded drones as well as counter-drone capabilities.
“Through the Drone Coalition we will be seeking joint procurement initiatives to utilise and expand national industrial capacities.
“We, nations of the Drone Coalition, encourage additional funding to be made available to achieve the coalition’s aims. The Drone Coalition remains open for other allies and partners to join.”
In addition, the group has announced plans to provide a wide spectrum of drones for use in Ukraine to facilitate Ukraine’s military success.
“We, nations of the Drone Coalition, recognise the importance of the support for the Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s aggression,” the joint statement said.
“The Drone Coalition is focused on providing Ukraine with drones and components produced by the industry of UDCG countries, as well as finding ways to support Ukrainian manufacturers to ensure that the Ukrainian Defence Forces are equipped with the most efficient capabilities.
“Members of the Drone Coalition have already provided significant support to Ukraine by delivering drones to Ukraine. Latvia is providing drone testing training range for industry and military to continuously improve drone technology. The Drone Coalition has launched an industry competition for first-person view (FPV) drones, of which 265 bids were received. These bids are currently being evaluated and the first contracts are expected to be signed in August.”
