The UK Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Cambridge Aerospace to supply Skyhammer air defense systems, according to the company’s official website.
The purchase is part of the UK Armed Forces’ preparations to strengthen air defense capabilities for their units deployed in the Persian Gulf.
Under the agreement, the Ministry of Defence will receive the first batch of missiles and launchers as early as May, with the remaining equipment to be delivered within the first six months of the contract.
Cambridge Aerospace positions Skyhammer as a low-cost air defense solution. The missile has a range of up to 30 km and a top speed of 700 km/h. The system is designed to be particularly effective for air defense units intercepting Iranian-made Shahed-type kamikaze drones.
Thanks to intensive weekly testing since January 2025, developers have confirmed Skyhammer’s effectiveness and its readiness for rapid deployment as part of a layered air defense system.
In addition, the manufacturer offers Starhammer missiles, which feature a more conventional design and use rocket fuel. This system can reach speeds of up to Mach 2 and has a maximum range of 10 km.
The company’s specialists are currently developing a version with an extended range. The Starhammer missile is comparable to the guided Martlet LMM missile, although it has a slightly higher initial speed.
Cambridge Aerospace is a startup in this field, having begun operations in 2024. The company is currently expanding its portfolio and focusing on the most in-demand products, particularly low-cost missiles designed for intercepting drones.
Militarnyi previously reported that British Army air defense units are conducting training to detect and destroy replicas of Shahed-136 kamikaze drones.
As part of this program, developers created two types of drones that replicate real-world counterparts, allowing crews to train more effectively. Within the British Army, the drone has been designated PARTRIDGE, and troops are already actively using it for training.
One of these drones was demonstrated to Charles III during his visit to Thorney Island.
