Ukraine is positioned to contribute significantly to international efforts aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz, Britain’s armed services minister stated, commending Ukraine’s drone technology as among the most advanced globally. This endorsement comes as Britain convenes discussions this month involving over 30 countries to explore ways to reopen the strait, which has been obstructed by an Iranian blockade disrupting global oil supplies following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed Kyiv’s involvement in consultations focused on protecting navigation through the strait, leveraging expertise gained from four years of conflict with Russia. Ukraine has already deployed more than 200 specialists to the Middle East, where they have successfully intercepted Iran’s long-range Shahed drones.
During a visit to Kyiv on Friday, Al Carns highlighted Ukraine’s cutting-edge technology developed amid the war, noting its potential utility in the Middle East and specifically in countering Shahed drones and securing the Strait of Hormuz. Carns, a former British armed forces colonel turned parliamentarian, emphasized that his visit aimed to reaffirm Britain’s commitment to Ukraine, assuring that the conflict remains a top defense and security priority for the UK.
Addressing concerns about NATO cohesion following U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of European allies for their reluctance to engage in conflict with Iran, Carns reassured that NATO continues to be the cornerstone of collective security.
In a significant development, Carns acknowledged that while Britain supports Ukraine with funding, training, and military resources, the UK also stands to benefit from Ukraine’s battlefield innovations, particularly in drone warfare, data utilization, and artificial intelligence. He described these advancements as a revolution in military affairs that necessitates accelerated adaptation. The integration of these innovations into Britain’s 10-year defense investment plan, initially expected last year, is now slated for completion this spring.
Carns encouraged Ukraine to expedite the export of its advanced military technology to secure a share of the global market before competitors catch up, facilitating collaboration and development with NATO allies. Ukraine issued its first export licenses in February, aiming to boost its defense industry funding and use its weaponry as diplomatic leverage. However, some industry leaders have expressed concern that delays in license approvals could cause Ukraine to miss strategic opportunities arising from the Iran conflict.
“Ukraine needs to accelerate its export capacity,” Carns urged, adding that while Ukraine currently possesses some of the best systems, global competitors are rapidly advancing. Notably, Britain hosts a facility producing Ukrainian interceptor drones that began manufacturing in February. Additionally, the UK-based Ukrainian military technology firm UForce manufactures the Magura sea drone, further exemplifying Ukraine’s growing defense industry footprint.
