Skyhammer interceptor missile tested in Jordan | Photo: UK Ministry of Defence
New interceptor missiles developed by Cambridge Aerospace have been successfully tested in Jordan, as the United Kingdom moves to strengthen air defence capabilities against drone threats in the Middle East.
The Skyhammer interceptor missile system, designed to counter Shahed-style attack drones, was tested in desert conditions at a defence development facility operated by Deep Element. The system has a range of 30 kilometres and a maximum speed of 700 kilometres per hour. The UK Ministry of Defence recently signed a multi-million-pound contract to procure the system for the UK Armed Forces.
The trial took place during a visit to Kuwait and Jordan by Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard. The visit included meetings with regional officials and discussions on security cooperation, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said, “We are stepping up alongside UK industry to offer rapid support to our partners in the Middle East. This week’s successful trial of Cambridge Aerospace’s Skyhammer interceptor missiles in Jordan is a perfect example of a UK start up innovating, with the backing of this government, to deliver cutting edge technology. My visit to Kuwait and Jordan shows that the UK is standing by our long-term partners and delivering on our promise to provide support.”
The UK government stated that the contract with Cambridge Aerospace will create more than 50 jobs and support 125 existing roles. The first batch of Skyhammer missiles and launchers is expected to be delivered to the UK Armed Forces in May, with additional systems scheduled within six months.
During the visit, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP met Kuwait’s Minister of Defence, Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, and senior officials. He also met Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Major General Yousef Alhnaity in Jordan to discuss bilateral defence cooperation.
Steven Barrett, CEO of Cambridge Aerospace, said, “We have proven that our interceptors are not only cost-effective but also highly capable and will be able to counter the rising threat posed by aerial attacks. We welcome the support of the UK Ministry of Defence as Cambridge Aerospace looks to protect the UK and its partners with high-performance, rapidly deployable air defence systems.”
The UK has also deployed systems such as Rapid Sentry and ORCUS in Kuwait, operated by UK personnel to detect and respond to aerial threats. The Ministry of Defence is working through its National Armaments Director Group to accelerate exports and coordinate defence supply chain requirements with regional partners.
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