Drones for Ukrainian military to be built in town

Ukrspecsystems describes itself as being Ukraine's biggest drone manufacturing company

Drones which will be used by the Ukrainian military are due to be built as part of a £200m investment in the UK, creating 500 jobs.

Ukrspecsystems, described as the biggest drone manufacturing company in Ukraine, will use an existing building in Mildenhall, Suffolk, to produce the unmanned aircraft.

There will also be a training and testing facility established at Elmsett Airfield, near Ipswich, with work on producing the drones starting early next year.

The firm said the investment would mean "500 jobs directly and in the supply chain" and would include apprenticeships.

Elmsett Airfield will be used test the drones and train pilots to operate them

Rory Chamberlain is Ukrspecsystems' managing director in the UK

Rory Chamberlain, Ukrspecsystems' managing director in the UK, said: "Ukrspecsystems is proud to be the first Ukrainian company to commit to a funded plan to invest in infrastructure, jobs and skills in the UK.

"Our unmatched battle-winning technology and know-how, coupled with UK aviation and industrial expertise, will enable Ukrspecsystems to become the global leader in uncrewed systems in both the civil and military sectors, and establish the UK as a launch pad for export."

The firm said it manufactures eight types of drone "that are used extensively in Ukraine" following the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022.

Charles Course, owner of Elmsett Aifield, says it will be used to test the drones

Charles Course, owner of Elmsett Airfield, said: "We will be providing facilities for occasional testing and demonstration, in conjunction with the Army Air Corps at Wattisham Airfield.

"We have to have their consent to do this, which we do. This announcement is great for employment and economic activity in East Anglia."

Richard Smith said the project would be good for the local economy

Richard Smith, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for finance, economic development and skills, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for our region, and a clear demonstration of the enormous potential East Anglia offers to ambitious and growing businesses.

"With our strong business networks and record of championing enterprise and innovation, this area will provide an ideal location for Ukrspecsystems' expansion into the UK."

Former defence procurement minister, Maria Eagle MP, supported the project before leaving government last week

Former defence procurement minister, Maria Eagle MP, welcomed the news of the drone-building facility before leaving the government last week and said the UK continued to "stand united with Ukraine", which remains at war with Russia.

"By collaborating with Ukrainian companies like Ukrspecsystems, we will benefit from access to cutting-edge designs and innovative technologies, strengthening the UK's armed forces and those of our partners.

"This £200m investment will also improve our industrial base and create up to 500 jobs, driving economic growth and prosperity around the country – core elements of our upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy."