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 deployable air defence systems.”
During his visit, the Minister 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 during Iran’s missile and drone campaign prior to the current ceasefire. The UK’s Rapid Sentry ground-based air defence missile system and the ORCUS system are operated by UK personnel in Kuwait, enabling early drone detection and response.
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 shared commitment to regional security. Prior to the ceasefire, UK jets flew defensive missions 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 additional missiles and launchers to be supplied within the first six months of the agreement.
