The purchase of air defence capabilities is the first of five planned support packages within the second stage of the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) funding mechanism launched by the UK. “Equipment worth GBP 92 million ($111.125 million) will be procured in the coming months through the International Fund for Ukraine to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to protect its critical national infrastructure, civilians, and front-line personnel,” the British statement reads. Lithuania, along with the UK, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland, plans to purchase air defence equipment for Ukraine have already collected almost €608 million ($660 million) for the IFU in total. Lithuania’s contribution will be €6 million. The first phase also includes the manufacture of combat and reconnaissance drones, which will be sent to Ukraine this summer.
Lithuanian Defence Minister Arvydas Anušauskas said that his country “the air capabilities provided by seven nations will support Ukraine’s ability to protect its critical infrastructure, civilian population, and military personnel.”
The Netherlands will also purchase four VERA-EG passive observation radar stations worth €150 million for Ukraine.
