Can UK interceptor efforts keep pace with the rising drone threat?
The Skyhammer interceptor missile order will be delivered to the UK from next month. (Photo: Cambridge Aerospace)
The recent acquisition announcement for Cambridge Aerospace’s Skyhammer solution is a key step in the UK’s efforts to bolster its counter-UAS capabilities, but more still needs to be done to tackle even smaller drone threats.
The persistent use of low-cost drones in Ukraine and Middle Eastern conflicts has placed pressure on the increasingly urgent need for counter-uncrewed aerial systems (CUAS), with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) announcing its intention to enhance its own capabilities.
Cambridge Aerospace, a UK-based SME, was selected in a multi-million-pound contract to deliver its Skyhammer air defence systems to the UK MoD for use and dissemination to its armed forces and Gulf allies. The air defence startup will begin deliveries of units to the MoD from May and these will continue across the next six months, according to the company.
First unveiled
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Denmark air focus: $2.64 billion UAV market blends US imports with Nordic cooperation]()
Denmark air focus: $2.64 billion UAV market blends US imports with Nordic cooperation
While Denmark appears to be more committed to UAVs than most of its Nordic neighbours, its procurement efforts are likely to be split between American-made systems for its larger requirements and Nordic partnerships for smaller platforms.
-
![Saab Gripen E/F: the multirole fighter that’s seeing a resurgence (updated 2026)]()
Saab Gripen E/F: the multirole fighter that’s seeing a resurgence (updated 2026)
The single-engine multirole fighter jet is seeing heightened demand with a sizeable orderbook and expanding export potential, as Shephard summarises the aircraft’s latest orders and developments.
-
![First GCAP contract marks milestone for Edgewing, while UK waits on further funding]()
First GCAP contract marks milestone for Edgewing, while UK waits on further funding
The design and development contract is set to run until the end of June and will now enable the partnership to drive the programme forward as it targets its 2027 demonstrator date.
-
![UK SMEs remain vulnerable in effort to help build sovereign capabilities, JCNSS report warns]()
UK SMEs remain vulnerable in effort to help build sovereign capabilities, JCNSS report warns
The report comes as heads of industry bodies warn that the delayed defence spending plan has left smaller and medium sized businesses in stasis, unable to plan or seek out further investment.
