UK hosts 12 Ukrainian drone makers at Larkhill to link them with British industry and investors

The UK Ministry of Defence said on 30 October that 12 Ukrainian drone manufacturers had shown combat-ready uncrewed systems to British industry, investors and military officials at Larkhill Garrison on Salisbury Plain. The showcase was aimed at turning frontline experience into joint projects between Ukrainian and British companies.

According to the ministry, the event connected Ukrainian developers with UK firms and investors to speed up collaboration, investment and capability development in uncrewed aerial systems and related technologies. Demonstrations let attendees see equipment shaped by operations in the war with Russia, and separate sessions were set aside for networking and talks on commercial and industrial partnerships.

What was shown

The ministry said the Ukrainian companies demonstrated technologies across intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, autonomous systems and other emerging uncrewed aerial capabilities. UK industry, investors and defence stakeholders were also able to hear directly from Ukrainian operators about what has worked in the field. The release describes the rapid evolution of uncrewed systems on the battlefield as a factor shaping the future of warfare.

What the UK said

Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones said: “Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security.” She added that the government is backing British and Ukrainian collaboration across the armed forces and industry, and wants businesses and innovators from both countries to build, invest and succeed together.

Brigadier Stu Nasse, Head of the Drone Capability Coalition and Deputy Head of the Uncrewed Systems Centre, described the event as being about “turning innovation into action”. He said one of the most important lessons from Ukraine is that government, industry and the military must work together earlier and more closely to keep pace with fast-changing threats.

The ministry presented the showcase as part of the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership, which it said opens up MOD support to Ukraine’s defence sector. It also said Ukrainian defence companies are expanding in the UK, strengthening the industrial bases of both countries, and pointed to the Kyiv Business Centre, an initiative that helps companies explore opportunities in Ukraine.

Context

The showcase follows a week of UK announcements on Ukraine. Geopolitiki reported on 29 October that Britain had announced a package for Ukraine described as its largest yet, including money for winter air defence: Britain announces a £10 billion package for Ukraine, its largest yet, with £500 million for winter air defence. On the same day the ministry named its first Director General Innovation: UK Ministry of Defence appoints Anthony Reeves as first Director General Innovation, overseeing 4,800 experts and a £3.7 billion budget.

The release does not name the Ukrainian companies, give contract values or say whether any agreement was signed at Larkhill. It states the aim as helping Ukraine “innovate faster than Russia” and field new capabilities quickly, while boosting defence capability and industrial resilience in both countries.