The United Kingdom plans to utilize domestically produced drones to create a «drone wall» that will bolster NATO member states' defenses against Russian threats. This was announced by UK Defense Minister John Healey in an interview with The Telegraph.
Affordable drones are part of a new strategy to deter Russian aircraft and drones on the Alliance's eastern flank. Healey stated that reckless actions from Russia will meet NATO's response, particularly through new border defense measures.
On September 26, 2025, European ministers discussed the «drone wall» concept, which involves deploying drones along borders to intercept Russian drones and missiles.
The UK, in collaboration with Ukraine, has initiated a drone production program named Project OCTOPUS. Under this project, British factories will soon begin manufacturing interceptor drones to deter Russian aggression. Healey emphasized that the UK will utilize modern manufacturing technologies that are «available to us but not to them» to mass-produce and supply thousands of drones to support Ukraine.
A unique agreement between the UK and Ukraine includes joint ownership of the intellectual property for these drones, allowing for their deployment in NATO countries as well. According to Healey, these drones have already proven effective against Shahed drones, with their cost being less than one-tenth that of similar competitor systems. In the future, this system is expected to be integrated into the UK’s air defense to protect military installations and critical infrastructure.
«We are ready, alongside our NATO allies, to show Putin that his aggression, whether reckless or deliberate, will be met with resistance,» Healey stressed.
In 2026, a large drone manufacturing facility is planned to open in Swindon, UK.