UK Ministry of Defence to acquire Skyhammer interceptor systems from Cambridge Aerospace for counter-drone operations

The announcement was made by Defence Secretary John Healey at the London Defence Conference. The agreement, subject to contract, will see an initial tranche delivered quickly, followed by additional systems within six months.

The Skyhammer interceptor is designed to counter drone threats, including Iranian Shahed-style attack drones. The system has a range of approximately 30 kilometres and a maximum speed of 700 km/h.

The procurement reflects efforts to accelerate the delivery of defence capabilities in response to evolving threats. It also draws on lessons from ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Healey emphasised the importance of rapid procurement and industry collaboration. “We are applying the approach for UK support to Ukraine and accelerating contracts with the most innovative British businesses to rapidly expand support to Gulf partners and equip our own forces with anti-drone tech.”

“Our government backing for Cambridge Aerospace is a prime case of a veteran-founded UK defence start-up scaling at pace to deliver new interceptor missiles within weeks for our Armed Forced and Gulf partners, and good jobs and security here in the UK,” he added.

Cambridge Aerospace, founded in 2024, has developed Skyhammer as a cost-effective and rapidly deployable air defence solution. Development began in January 2025, with initial flight testing achieved within six weeks and followed by continuous iterative testing.

Recent trials have demonstrated consistent interception of drone targets under varied conditions. The system is designed to integrate into layered air defence networks and operate with a range of sensor systems.

Steven Barrett, Chief Executive Officer of Cambridge Aerospace, highlighted the growing threat environment. “With aerial threats to the UK and our allies increasing by the day, it is critical that we can defend ourselves effectively.”

“Skyhammer was designed to do exactly that – bringing affordable mass to protect our skies. We welcome the Government’s commitment to supporting UK air defence with scalable, sovereign solutions,” Barrett added.

The contract is expected to include integration, technical support and end-user training. It is also projected to create more than 50 new jobs while supporting 125 existing roles within the company.

Cambridge Aerospace is expanding its manufacturing capacity to meet delivery timelines. A second production facility is nearing completion to support increased output.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the UK defence industrial base. It also supports export collaboration with Gulf partners through coordinated government and industry engagement.

The Ministry of Defence is working to accelerate financing and licensing processes for exports. A new task force has been established to support partners in the Middle East and manage supply chain impacts.

The procurement highlights the role of emerging defence companies in delivering capabilities at pace. It also reflects the UK’s focus on improving readiness and resilience in response to evolving security challenges.