The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a multi-million-pound contract to Cambridge Aerospace to supply its jet-powered drone and missile interceptor system to the UK Armed Forces and partners in the Gulf region. Deliveries of the Skyhammer air defense system are set to begin in May and continue over a six-month period, covering launchers, interceptors, system integration, technical support, and operator training.
Skyhammer marks the first system developed by the UK-based startup and is specifically designed to counter drones and low-speed missile threats. Development commenced in January 2025, with initial flight trials completed within six weeks. Since then, the system has undergone regular testing to validate performance across diverse operational scenarios and ensure compatibility with multiple sensor platforms.
Designed for layered air defense networks, Skyhammer offers an operational range of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) and a top speed of 700 kilometers per hour (435 miles per hour). The tube-launched interceptor features retractable wings and an inverted V-tail configuration for improved maneuverability. Powered by a jet engine, it uses an onboard mini-radar seeker to enable autonomous terminal guidance and target acquisition.
Although the exact cost has not been disclosed, reports suggest it is comparable to a Shahed drone and more affordable than the Martlet missile. The contract is expected to generate 50 new jobs while sustaining 125 existing roles at Cambridge Aerospace.
In parallel, the UK is considering additional procurement of Martlet multirole missiles, produced by Thales in Belfast, to reinforce British forces deployed in the Middle East against Iranian drone threats.
