Image: Sky hammer interceptor (U.K. MoD Press Release)
A veteran-founded British start-up will deliver anti-drone interceptor missiles to UK Armed Forces and Gulf allies, with first deliveries expected in May.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP announced at the London Defence Conference that the Ministry of Defence intends to procure interceptor missiles and launchers from Cambridge Aerospace. The missiles are designed to counter Iranian Shahed-style attack drones, the same low-cost unmanned systems that have inflicted significant damage across Ukraine and the Middle East.
The announcement marks a notable acceleration in UK efforts to build sovereign, cost-effective air defence capabilities and deepen defence ties with Gulf partners.
Skyhammer: Capability and Specifications
Cambridge Aerospace’s interceptor, designated Skyhammer, carries a range of 30 kilometres and reaches a top speed of 700 kilometres per hour. It targets the growing threat posed by mass drone attacks, a tactic that has exposed gaps in traditional air defence architecture due to the high cost of intercepting cheap munitions with expensive missiles.
Subject to contract, a substantial first tranche of missiles and launchers will reach the Ministry of Defence in May. Further deliveries are scheduled within the first six months of the agreement, alongside integration support, technical training and end-user assistance.
Industry Impact and Jobs
The contract will create more than 50 new jobs and support 125 existing roles at Cambridge Aerospace, according to the Ministry of Defence. The government framed the deal as evidence that defence spending can drive broader economic growth.
The UK is pursuing its largest sustained increase in defence expenditure since the Cold War, targeting 2.6% of GDP from 2027.
Cambridge Aerospace CEO Steven Barrett said the threat environment demanded scalable and affordable solutions. “With aerial threats to the UK and our allies increasing by the day, it is critical that we can defend ourselves effectively,” he said. “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.”
Gulf Security and Export Strategy
The deal extends beyond UK domestic requirements. The Ministry of Defence, through its National Armaments Director (NAD) Group, is actively working to streamline financing and export licensing for Gulf partners.
A dedicated Task Force has been established within the NAD Group to coordinate cross-government support for Middle East allies and manage pressures on the UK defence supply chain, including stock replenishment requirements driven by ongoing conflicts.
The announcement builds on a London roundtable last month where representatives from 13 UK defence companies met Gulf ambassadors and defence attachés to explore expanded regional cooperation.
Strategic Context
Defence Secretary Healey drew a direct line between lessons learned in Ukraine and the pace of this procurement. “We are applying the approach for UK support to Ukraine and accelerating contracts with the most innovative British businesses,” he said, “to rapidly expand support to Gulf partners and equip our own forces with anti-drone tech.”
The Shahed drone, produced cheaply in large numbers, has reshaped thinking on air defence economics. Interceptors like Skyhammer represent a growing category of purpose-built, lower-cost counter-drone weapons designed to match the threat without exhausting high-value munitions stockpiles.
Cambridge Aerospace’s rapid progression from start-up to MoD supplier reflects a broader push by the UK government to shorten procurement timelines and bring emerging technology to the front line faster.
Source: U.K. MoD Press Release
