UK MoD Awards Multi-Million Pound Contract to Cambridge Aerospace for Skyhammer Drone Interceptors

The UK Ministry of Defence has signed a multimillion-pound contract with defense startup Cambridge Aerospace to supply hundreds of Skyhammer interceptors.

Defence Secretary John Healey announced the deal, highlighting rapid delivery starting in May 2026 to bolster UK and allied defenses against drone threats.

Skyhammer: A Cost-Effective Shield Against Drones

The Skyhammer interceptor boasts a range exceeding 30 kilometers and a top speed of 700 km/h, designed specifically for low-cost drones and slow-moving missiles.

Founded in late 2024 by veterans, Cambridge Aerospace emerged at DSEI 2025 with Skyhammer and its counterpart Starhammer for higher-threat targets.

The contract includes launchers and will create jobs in the UK while scaling production at unprecedented speed for a startup.

Gulf partners, including those in the Persian Gulf region, will also receive systems to counter threats like Iranian Shahed drones.

This deal addresses the imbalance between expensive traditional defenses and proliferating cheap offensive weapons.

Backed by investors like Eric Schmidt with over $100 million raised, Cambridge Aerospace is in talks for funding at a $1 billion valuation.

Deliveries are set to complete within six months, marking a milestone for UK defense innovation.

The partnership underscores the UK's commitment to homegrown tech amid escalating global drone warfare risks.

Future expansions could see Skyhammer integrated into broader networks, enhancing NATO and allied capabilities worldwide.