The member countries of the ‘drone coalition’ signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a €45 million special fund on 10 July, the UK government has stated.
It is noted that the document outlines the main activities of the Coalition and procurement mechanisms.
"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 €45M to the Common Fund, with additional contributions anticipated," the joint statement said.
It is also noted that the "drone coalition" plans to supply 1 million FPV drones to Ukraine. In addition, member states are working on other types of UAVs, including reconnaissance, strike, artificial intelligence, and anti-drone weapons.
"Through the Drone Coalition, we will seek joint procurement initiatives to leverage and expand national industrial capabilities. We, the coalition nations, encourage additional funding to achieve the coalition's goals," the joint statement added, noting that the drone coalition remains open to other Allies and partners.
US Secretary of Defence John Healey also joined the signing of the memorandum.