Speaking at the London Defence Conference on Friday, Defence Secretary John Healey said the agreement will see the company provide new interceptor missiles and launch systems for the UK Armed Forces, as well as selected Gulf partner countries.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the procurement is aimed at strengthening the UK’s ability to respond to the growing threat posed by low-cost, long-range attack drones, including systems described as “Iranian Shahed-style” unmanned aerial vehicles.
Officials said the first batch of interceptor missiles and launchers will be delivered as early as May, subject to final contract arrangements, with additional units expected within the first six months of the agreement. The deal also includes technical support, system integration, and training for end users.
In a statement, the Defence Ministry said the initiative reflects lessons learned from ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, where drones have played an increasingly central role in modern warfare. It added that the programme is intended to deliver “cost-effective air defence solutions” at speed, while strengthening both domestic and allied security capabilities.
The new interceptor missile system, known as “Skyhammer,” is reported to have a range of around 30 kilometres (18.7 miles) and a maximum speed of approximately 700 km/h. Defence officials say the system is designed to provide a rapid-response layer of protection against incoming drones before they can reach critical infrastructure or military assets.
Healey described the deal as an example of how Britain’s defence industry is accelerating innovation, particularly through partnerships with emerging technology companies. He said government backing is helping scale up veteran-founded and start-up firms capable of delivering battlefield-ready systems within weeks rather than years.
He also stressed that the programme would not only enhance national security but also support skilled jobs and industrial growth within the United Kingdom, positioning the country as a leader in next-generation air defence technology.
The Ministry of Defence further noted that the system is expected to be integrated into wider UK air defence architecture, with potential deployment alongside existing radar and missile defence platforms.
The announcement comes amid growing global concern over the proliferation of unmanned aerial systems, which have become a defining feature of recent conflicts and have significantly increased demand for rapid, adaptable counter-drone technologies.
