Cambridge Aerospace has secured a contract to supply its Skyhammer interceptor missile to the UK Armed Forces and Gulf partners, with the first deliveries expected in May.
Defense Secretary John Healey announced the procurement at the London Defence Conference last week, describing it as part of efforts to accelerate contracts with innovative UK defense companies. The agreement covers a substantial first tranche of missiles and associated launchers, with further deliveries planned within six months.
Skyhammer has a range of 18.6 miles (30km) and a maximum speed of 435mph (700km/h), and is designed to counter Iranian Shahed-style one-way attack drones of the type used extensively in Ukraine. The multimillion-pound contract also covers integration, technical support and end-user training.
The veteran-founded startup said the deal would create more than 50 new jobs and support 125 existing positions. The initiative builds on a roundtable held last month in London, where representatives from 13 UK-based defense companies met Gulf ambassadors and defense attachés to explore new industry support for regional allies.
Steven Barrett, CEO of Cambridge Aerospace, said, “With aerial threats to the UK and our allies increasing by the day, it is critical that we can defend ourselves effectively. Skyhammer was designed to do exactly that – bringing affordable mass to protect our skies.”
