- New Skyhammer interceptor missiles and launchers,
produced by UK start-up Cambridge Aerospace, successfully tested
in Jordan.
- Designed to counter Shahed-style attack
drones, Skyhammer will be supplied to the UK Armed
Forces.
- Trial comes as Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry
visits Kuwait and Jordan,
meeting leaders and thanking UK Armed Forces who have supported
partners in defending their skies from Iranian attacks prior to
the ceasefire.
The UK military and Gulf partners will be better protected
against drone attacks following the successful testing of new
British-built Skyhammer interceptor missiles and launchers in
Jordan.
The trial comes less than two weeks since the Ministry of Defence
signed a multi-million-pound contract with UK veteran-led
start-up Cambridge Aerospace to
buy Skyhammer interceptor missiles for the UK Armed
Forces. They have a range of 30km and a maximum speed of 700km/h
and are designed to counter Shahed-style attack drones.
The interceptor missile was tested in Jordan in demanding desert
conditions at one of Deep Element's defence development
facilities. Witnessing the trial, Minister for Defence Readiness
and Industry MP praised the new capability
which demonstrates how the UK defence industry can deliver at
pace, learning lessons from the conflicts in Ukraine and the
Middle East.
The trial came as the Minister visited Kuwait and Jordan for
detailed discussions on regional security, the Strait of Hormuz
and further defence cooperation. The Defence
Minister recognised partners' exceptional professionalism
and resolve in the face of previous Iranian attacks,
and their tireless work to protect civilian life and to safeguard
foreign – including British – nationals.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry MP said:
“We are stepping up alongside UK industry to offer rapid support
to our partners in the Middle East.
“This week's successful trial of Cambridge
Aerospace's Skyhammer interceptor missiles in Jordan is
a perfect example of a UK start up innovating, with the backing
of this government, to deliver cutting edge technology.
“My visit to Kuwait and Jordan shows that the UK is standing by
our long-term partners and delivering on our promise to provide
support.”
The multi-million-pound contract with Cambridge Aerospace is
boosting British business by creating over 50 new jobs
and supporting 125 current jobs, making defence an engine for
growth. The UK is delivering the largest sustained increase in
defence spending since the end of the Cold War, hitting 2.6% of
GDP from 2027.
Steven Barrett, CEO of Cambridge Aerospace,
said:
"We have proven that our interceptors are not only cost-effective
but also highly capable and will be able to counter the rising
threat posed by aerial attacks.
"We welcome the support of the UK Ministry of Defence as
Cambridge Aerospace looks to protect the UK and its partners with
high-performance, rapidly deployable air defence systems.”
During the Minister's visit, he met with Kuwait's Minister of
Defence, HE Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, and
other senior officials. He paid tribute to the efforts of the
Kuwaiti Armed Forces and UK personnel to protect civilians and
critical national infrastructure in the region during Iran's
missile and drone campaign prior to the current ceasefire. The
UK's Rapid Sentry – a ground-based air defence missile system –
and ORCUS system is operated by UK personnel in Kuwait,
allowing them to detect drones early and take action.
Ahead of the Skyhammer trial in Jordan, the Minister
met with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Major General Yousef Alhnaity. They discussed the strength
of the UK-Jordan defence relationship, based on mutual respect
and a common commitment to shared security in the region. Prior
to the ceasefire, UK jets have flown defensive missions in the
region, including over Jordan, to protect British interests and
partners.
The first tranche of Skyhammer interceptor missiles and
launchers will be delivered to the UK Armed
Forces in May, with more missiles and associated launchers set to
be supplied within the first six months of the agreement.
The Ministry of Defence, through the National Armaments Director
(NAD) Group, is working to speed up financing and licensing for
exports to Gulf partners. As part of this, a new Task Force has
been created within the NAD Group to collaborate across
government to support partners across the Middle East working
with UK industry. It will also manage the impact of the conflict
on the UK defence supply chain and gather requirements for stock
replenishment.
