Head of British Armed Forces Says Ukraine Conflict Proves UK Needs 10,000 Drones by 2030

Admiral Tony Radakin denies 'tilt to Indo-Pacific' has gone too far

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, London, following the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 6, 2023. PA

The head of Britain’s armed forces has said the conflict in Ukraine has emphasised the need for the UK to equip itself with more drones, and he said he hoped to have up to 10,000 by 2030.

Speaking at the second day of the London Defence Conference at King’s College London (KCL), on Wednesday, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, chief of the defence staff, said drones were now “ubiquitous” in modern warfare.