WASHINGTON, D.C. — The UK government has struck a deal with Anduril UK to supply advanced attack drones to Ukraine, a move that underscores the increasing role of private defense technology firms in modern warfare. The nearly $38 million contract will provide Ukraine with Altius 600M and Altius 700M loitering munitions, designed to surveil and strike targets in contested areas like the Black Sea.
The deal, backed by the UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine (IFU), was announced ahead of a Pentagon meeting between UK Defence Secretary John Healey MP and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Healey visited Anduril’s Washington, D.C., facility, where he praised the company’s role in supplying the drones and highlighted the UK’s commitment to military support for Ukraine.
Anduril’s Expansion and its Ohio Connection
While Anduril has gained international attention for its military contracts, the company is also expanding its domestic footprint—including a planned facility in Ohio. The California-based defense firm, known for its autonomous warfare systems and AI-driven surveillance technology, announced last year that it would invest in a manufacturing and research site in the state.
The decision to set up operations in Ohio aligns with Anduril’s broader strategy of expanding its U.S. defense production capacity.
This development comes as Ohio has increasingly positioned itself as a hub for defense and aerospace industries, with major military suppliers and research institutions operating throughout the state. However, the arrival of a firm like Anduril—which specializes in AI-driven warfare solutions—also raises concerns among critics who worry about the growing privatization of military operations and the ethical implications of autonomous weapons.
UK Military Aid and Anduril’s Role
The UK has already supplied Ukraine with over 10,000 drones as part of its military aid package, which has surpassed $6.7 billion since July 2024. The latest contract with Anduril UK is seen as part of an ongoing strategy to provide next-generation aerial capabilities to Ukraine’s armed forces, aiming to disrupt Russian troop movements and strike behind enemy lines.
Dr. Rich Drake, Managing Director of Anduril UK and Europe, stated:
“Anduril UK is proud to partner with the UK Government, working hand in glove to deliver vital capabilities for the UK and its Allies. Our focus on developing and deploying technology where and when it’s needed is at the core of everything we do—from the rapid delivery of Altius to Ukraine to the expansion of our presence here in the UK.”
The move comes amid a larger global push for autonomous military technology, as evidenced by the 30,000 drones pledged to Ukraine by the Drone Capability Coalition, a group co-led by the UK and Latvia. The British government’s latest commitment also coincides with an increase in UK defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, the largest sustained investment since the Cold War.
Implications for Ohio and the Future of AI Warfare
With Anduril securing major international contracts and investing in domestic expansion, its Ohio facility is likely to play a strategic role in the company’s production and research operations. Whether this translates into economic benefits for the region or raises concerns about corporate-driven militarization remains to be seen.
For now, the company is positioning itself as a key supplier in the global arms race for AI-powered warfare, with Ohio playing a quiet but significant role in that future.