UK MoD orders Skyhammer counter-drone missiles to guard against Iranian Shahed threat - FlightGlobal
AI Analysis
The UK Ministry of Defence has contracted Cambridge Aerospace to deliver Skyhammer counter-drone missiles to counter the Iranian Shahed threat, with deliveries starting in May. The contract includes integration, technical support, and training, and involves collaboration with Gulf partners.
Key Takeaways
- UK MoD orders Skyhammer counter-drone missiles from Cambridge Aerospace.
- Deliveries to start in May, with additional systems supplied within six months.
- The contract includes integration, technical support, and end-user training.
- Skyhammer interceptors have successfully intercepted Shahed-style drones in tests.
- Cambridge Aerospace is expanding manufacturing capacity for increased production.
Why It Matters
This procurement enhances the UK's counter-drone capabilities amid rising aerial threats, particularly from Iranian Shahed drones. The collaboration with Gulf partners indicates a broader regional defense strategy, while the contract supports the growth of a UK defense start-up, potentially boosting domestic defense innovation and manufacturing capabilities.
UK MoD orders Skyhammer counter-drone missiles to guard against Iranian Shahed threat - FlightGlobal
CONTRACT
UK MoD orders Skyhammer counter-drone missiles to guard against Iranian Shahed threat
Deliveries of the autonomous Skyhammer interceptor will begin during May Cambridge Aerospace
Cambridge Aerospace is to start deliveries of its Skyhammer counter-drone interceptor within weeks, under a contract announced by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).
“The substantial first tranche of missiles and launchers will be delivered in May, with more set to be supplied within the first six months of the agreement,” the MoD said on 10 April.
Its launch contract covers the provision of an undisclosed number of systems for use by the “UK armed forces and Gulf partners,” it states.
“The multi-million pound contract is set to include integration, technical support and end user training,” the MoD says, while describing the system as a “cost-effective air defence solution”.
UK start-up Cambridge Aerospace says it will provide “a significant number” of Skyhammer systems for use against drones and low-speed missiles. Its missile has a maximum speed of 378kt (700km/h) and a range of up to 16nm (30km).
“Recent testing delivered consistent successful interceptions of [Iranian] Shahed-style drones in a variety of conditions, with the autonomous platforms identifying, tracking and intercepting the target,” the company says.
Established in late 2024, Cambridge Aerospace launched development of the Skyhammer in January 2025, and conducted its first flight tests with the design within six weeks.
The company says its activities with the interceptor include “consistent, iterative testing… to ensure it is able to counter a range of threats and integrate with a wide range of sensors”. It also is “scaling its manufacturing capacity at speed, with a second production facility currently undergoing final fit out”.
“With aerial threats to the UK and our allies increasing by the day, it is critical that we can defend ourselves effectively,” says chief executive Steven Barrett.
Cambridge Aerospace’s Skyhammer (left) has successfully intercepted target drones during testing. Source: Cambridge Aerospace
Cambridge Aerospace’s development activities also include work on its Starhammer system, which it describes as “a high-speed interceptor for higher-value missiles”.
Counter-drone capacity has been placed in the spotlight during the war in Ukraine and more recently the US/Israeli conflict with Iran. The UK also recently placed further contracts to acquire Thales Martlet missiles, including for use with ground-based air defence units.
Defence secretary John Healey describes the Skyhammer technology as “a prime case of a veteran-founded UK defence start-up scaling at pace to deliver new interceptor missiles within weeks”.