Ukrainian Ukrspecsystems to invest £200m in UK drone factory

Ukrainian drone manufacturer Ukrspecsystems has announced a £200m investment programme in the UK. The project will involve the construction of an 11,000m² factory in Mildenhall, East Anglia, and the development of a testing and training facility in Elmsett, Suffolk, according to the UK Defence Journal.

The programme is expected to create up to 500 jobs and an apprenticeship scheme in the region. Recruitment in the UK will begin at the end of this year, with drone production scheduled to start in early 2026. Ukrspetssystems plans to expand production in the region over the following three years.

The company’s UK CEO, Rory Chamberlain, said it was the first Ukrainian business to implement a funded programme to develop infrastructure, employment and skills. He noted that the technology and experience of Ukrainians, combined with British aviation and industrial expertise, would enable the company to become a global leader in unmanned systems for both the civilian and military sectors.

Ukrspecsystems drones, which are actively used by the Ukrainian Defence Forces, will be showcased at DSEI 2025 in London from 9 to 12 September, where the company intends to announce new partnerships in the UK.