UK signs multi-million-pound drone interceptor deal

The British government has signed a multi-million-pound contract with start-up firm Cambridge Aerospace to supply systems for intercepting drones, the defense secretary announced on Friday.

During his speech at the London Defense Conference, John Healey said Cambridge Aerospace is set to supply new interceptor missiles and launchers to the UK Armed Forces and Gulf partners.

The Defense Ministry intends to buy cutting-edge interceptor missiles, designed to counter "Iranian Shahed-style attack drones," for the UK Armed Forces and Gulf partners, he noted.

Separately, the Defense Ministry said in a statement that, subject to contract, the substantial first tranche of missiles and launchers will be delivered in May, with more missiles and associated launchers set to be supplied within the first six months of the agreement.

"This innovation demonstrates how the UK defense industry can deliver at pace -- learning lessons from the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East to deliver cost-effective air defense solutions for the UK and its partners," it added.

The statement noted that Cambridge Aerospace’s new missile, known as "Skyhammer," has a range of 30 kilometers (18.7 miles) and a maximum speed of 700km/h.

"Our government's backing for Cambridge Aerospace is a prime case of a veteran-founded UK defense start-up scaling at pace to deliver new interceptor missiles within weeks for our Armed Forces and Gulf partners, and good jobs and security here in the UK," added Healey.

According to the statement, the contract is set to include integration, technical support, and end-user training.