New British Skyhammer Interceptor Missiles Successfully Tested in Jordan as Defence Minister Visits Middle East - Europe Defence Insights Magazine | EDI
AI Analysis
The UK successfully tested its new Skyhammer interceptor missiles in Jordan, designed to counter Shahed-style drones, shortly after awarding a multi-million pound contract to Cambridge Aerospace. The testing occurred during a visit by the UK Defence Minister to Kuwait and Jordan to discuss regional security and defense cooperation. Skyhammer boasts a range of 30km and a speed of 700 km/h.
Key Takeaways
- The UK MoD contracted Cambridge Aerospace (a veteran-led startup) to supply Skyhammer interceptor missiles.
- Skyhammer is specifically designed to counter Shahed-style drones.
- Testing took place in Jordan at a Deep Element facility, demonstrating performance in desert conditions.
- The UK is increasing defense spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027.
- The contract is projected to create over 50 new jobs and support 125 existing jobs in the UK defense sector.
Why It Matters
This development signals a UK commitment to bolstering counter-UAS capabilities, particularly in response to observed tactics in Ukraine and the Middle East. The rapid procurement and testing cycle demonstrates an ability to quickly field solutions against evolving drone threats, and the focus on supporting UK industry strengthens domestic defense capabilities. The deployment to and testing with regional partners highlights the UK's commitment to regional security and interoperability.
New British Skyhammer Interceptor Missiles Successfully Tested in Jordan as Defence Minister Visits Middle East - Europe Defence Insights Magazine | EDI
Home Drones New British Skyhammer Interceptor Missiles Successfully Tested in Jordan as Defence Minister Visits Middle East
New British Skyhammer Interceptor Missiles Successfully Tested in Jordan as Defence Minister Visits Middle East
May 31, 2026
May 31, 2026
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The UK military and its 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 took place less than two weeks after the Ministry of Defence signed a multi-million-pound contract with UK veteran-led start-up Cambridge Aerospace to acquire Skyhammer missiles for the UK Armed Forces. The missiles have a range of 30 kilometres and a maximum speed of 700 kilometres per hour, and are specifically designed to counter Shahed-style attack drones.
The interceptor missile was tested in demanding desert conditions at one of Deep Element’s defence development facilities in Jordan. Witnessing the trial, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard 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 coincided with the Minister’s visit to 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, as well as their tireless work to protect civilian life and safeguard foreign nationals, including British citizens.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP stated:“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 existing 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, reaching 2.6 percent of GDP from 2027.
Steven Barrett, CEO of Cambridge Aerospace, added:“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 dep