Ukrainian Drone Firm Plans £200M Factory, Jobs in UK

Ukrainian drone manufacturer Ukrspecsystems is investing £200 million to build an 11,000 m² factory in Mildenhall, UK, with production set to begin in early 2026, alongside a testing and training center in Elmsett. This expansion aims to create up to 500 jobs and provide apprenticeships, targeting skilled workers from the UK’s automotive industry, including those facing redundancy at the Lotus sports car plant in Hethel. UK Defence Minister Maria Eagle highlighted the collaboration as a means to strengthen the UK's Armed Forces through access to advanced Ukrainian drone technology. Meanwhile, Norwegian ex-special forces soldier Magnus Freyer has founded Munin Dynamics in Swindon to develop low-cost, soldier-portable drone defense systems to protect Ukrainian troops from explosive drone attacks. Both companies reflect the growing importance of drone warfare innovation driven by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Ukrspecsystems also providing operator training based on battlefield experience. These initiatives underscore the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine militarily and economically through defense technology development and manufacturing partnerships.