Ukrspecsystems was founded in 2014 when Russia invaded Ukraine to ramp up military drone production. They faced a steep learning curve as there were no drones available to the army for deployment, yet they rapidly developed a UAV that went straight into service. The necessities of war ensured that their development of fixed-wing and multirotor drones has been phenomenal.
This expertise is being put to use in areas outside the military realm with models suited to field reconnaissance, air surveillance and inspection and executing complex rescue operations or light cargo deliveries.
The project will create up to 500 jobs and apprenticeships,with recruitment slated to start by the end of this year and the first drone production is scheduled to begin at the start of 2026. As a manufacturing base East Anglia is well positioned with quick links to Cambridge and London.Plus there are over 500 skilled staff who have been made redundant from Lotus Cars based up in Norfolk as that Chinese owned company reduces its UK footprint.
Ukrspecsystems UK expansion has the blessing of the Ukrainian government with export licences and technology transfers. The company is the first Ukrainian company to commit to the UK with full funded investment plans. Likely this will be of significance to the British Army which is looking to replace its Watchkeeper recon drones in a huge commitment to drone technology as part of project CORVUS.
The UK is also an ideal location for sales and export to the rest of Europe, whilst having a solid backbone of established defence and aerospace industries. We’re also in dire need of more apprenticeship schemes with the skills gap that plagues STEM businesses.
DSEI 2025
Ukrspecsystems will on stand S2-160. In attendance at their booth will be Ukrainian ambassador to the UK General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s armed forces.
