Ukraine opens first drone factory in UK

Mr Zaluzhnyi, a former commander of the Ukrainian armed forces, said the producer, Ukrspecsystems, founded in 2014, had proved the efficiency of its drones on the frontline (Valerii Zaluzhnyi / X)

Ukraine has launched its first drone production factory in the UK, marking a major milestone in defence cooperation between Kyiv and London. The new facility, operated by Ukrainian firm Ukrspecsystems, began operations in Suffolk on Wednesday and is expected to strengthen Britain’s defence industry while supporting Ukraine’s war effort.

Ukrspecsystems has invested £200 million in two sites in Mildenhall and Elmsett. The expansion is projected to create up to 500 jobs across the East of England and the wider UK defence supply chain. The move reflects growing collaboration between the UK and Ukraine under their 100 Year Partnership agreement.

Luke Pollard, the UK’s minister for defence readiness and industry, described the investment as a strong endorsement of British support for Ukraine. He said the factory would boost regional employment, drive defence-led economic growth, and help Ukraine counter Russian aggression.

The UK has already ordered more than 80 SHARK and Mini-SHARK drones from Ukrspecsystems’ Ukrainian facilities. According to the British Ministry of Defence, drones produced by the company have caused nearly $3 billion (£2.6 billion) in damage to Russian military assets since February 2022.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, said the new factory has “deep strategic logic” given the ongoing missile strikes and threats to production facilities inside Ukraine. Writing on social media, he stressed that engineering expertise would remain in Ukraine, while UK-based production would serve as a second line of defence to ensure continuity.

Ukraine’s defence industry has expanded rapidly during the war. Production capacity is estimated at $50–55 billion (£43.6–£47 billion) this year, covering more than half of the Ukrainian army’s needs. Kyiv is also preparing to resume defence exports for the first time since the invasion, with officials suggesting several billion dollars in potential exports in 2026.

Ukrspecsystems is operating in the UK as part of the 1Force consortium alongside British partners Eagle Eye Innovations Ltd and Digital Concepts Engineering Ltd.

Ukraine opens first drone production factory in UK

Key Takeaways

• Ukraine’s first UK drone factory has opened in Suffolk with a £200m investment.

• Up to 500 British jobs are expected as defence cooperation deepens.

• Kyiv plans to restart defence exports in 2026 amid rapid industry growth.