UK Takes Example From Ukraine In Fight Against Drones
- 2.05.2026, 5:49
New interceptors will enter service.
The U.K. Army will receive new high-speed interceptor missiles designed to defend against Shaheds, writes Business Insider.
The U.K. Defense Ministry reported successful tests in Jordan of Skyhammer anti-missile systems and launchers. Which could be a cost-effective air defense tool for dealing with attack drones.
The Skyhammer system is manufactured by British startup Cambridge Aerospace, the authors pointed out. Last month, the UK government signed a multi-million dollar contract to purchase these interceptor missiles and launchers for the British armed forces. The military will receive the first batch of Skyhammer missiles and launchers in May, with the remaining batches to be delivered in the coming months.
The exact price of the missiles is unknown, although they are described as cost-effective. The missiles have a range of 30 kilometers and can reach speeds of 700 km/h. An on-board radar is used for target acquisition and interception.
Author pointed out that the British Army had experience shooting down Shaheds in the Middle East during the war with Iran: British troops shot down dozens of drones across the region during the conflict, which ended with a truce almost a month ago. The military emphasized that the Skyhammer will improve the defense of British troops and partners in the Persian Gulf against drone attacks.
The army is working closely with British industry to provide operational support to partners in the Middle East, according to British Minister for Combat Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard.
"The testing of the Skyhammer system and its introduction comes as the UK and allies, including the US, are exploring low-cost air defense options to better protect troops and civilians from low-cost attack drones without resorting to multi-million dollar surface-to-air missiles," the article noted.
The authors recalled that massive drone attacks during the war with Iran forced some countries to urgently address the high cost of air defense systems: "Countries in Europe and the Middle East have targeted the purchase of low-cost interceptors, a technology pioneered by Ukraine and which has since become a top priority for its defense manufacturers."