The UK Ministry of Defence has tested its British-built Skyhammer interceptor missile system in Jordan, a trial that demonstrates the increasing utility of European-made anti-Shahed weapons in global battlefields.
Cambridge Aerospace produced the system and received a “multi-million-pound” contract from the MoD. Cambridge Aerospace is a veteran-led startup that has thus far focused primarily on this new missile and launch system. The missile itself has a stated range of 30 kilometers and a top speed of about 700 kilometers per hour. It is designed to intercept Shahed-type attack drones.
The trial took place at a desert test facility in Jordan under operational conditions. UK officials present at the test framed it as part of a broader effort to adapt air defense systems to lessons drawn from Ukraine and the Middle East, where low-cost drones have stressed existing defenses. The test also coincided with a regional visit by UK Defence Minister Luke Pollard, who met officials in Kuwait and Jordan. Discussions focused on regional security, including recent Iranian missile and drone attacks prior to the current ceasefire. UK personnel have been involved in defensive operations in the region, including the deployment of systems like Rapid Sentry and ORCUS to detect and respond to aerial threats.
“We are stepping up alongside UK industry to offer rapid support to our partners in the Middle East,” said Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP. “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 Ministry of Defence estimates that the UK Armed Forces will receive the first Skyhammer interceptor systems in May with continued deliveries over the coming year.
“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,” said Steven Barrett, CEO of Cambridge Aerospace, in a release.
