Ukraine's largest drone manufacturer, Ukrspecsystems, has announced a £200 million investment project in East Anglia. The plan includes the construction of an 11,000 m² factory and the creation of a testing and training center, the UK Defence Journal reports.
According to the company, the project will create up to 500 jobs and internship programs in the region. Recruitment of British workers is planned to begin by the end of this year, and drone production will begin in early 2026. Ukrspecsystems also announced its intention to expand its presence in the UK over the next three years.
The company's management notes that combining Ukrainian experience in creating drones, acquired in wartime conditions, with the British industrial base will allow Ukrspecsystems to become a world leader in the field of unmanned systems for military and civilian needs, and will also make the United Kingdom a launching pad for exports.
Minister for Defense Procurement Maria Eagle noted that the UK recognizes the advanced capabilities of Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles and added that cooperation with Ukrainian manufacturers will provide access to modern technologies and strengthen the defense capabilities of the British Armed Forces and their partners.
Ukrspecsystems is a Ukrainian company founded in 2014 that specializes in the development and production of unmanned aerial systems for military needs. It is primarily known for its PD-2, Gekata, and Shark series drones (Shark, Shark-M, Mini Shark), which are used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and artillery correction.
In addition to the UAVs themselves, the company manufactures stabilized cameras, anti-jamming antenna systems, catapults, and software, as well as provides a full range of operator training and support services. The company has also opened its own drone parts store in Ukraine.
Ukrspecsystems will present its new products at the DSEI 2025 exhibition in London from September 9 to 12, where it plans to announce new partnerships in the UK.