Plant manufacturing Ukrainian Shark drones launched in UK

The first Ukrainian defence industry plant is beginning operations in the United Kingdom. The facility belongs to Ukrspecsystems, a Ukrainian drone manufacturer.

Source: Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine's Ambassador to the United Kingdom

Details: Zaluzhnyi said the launch of production in the UK has deep strategic logic. He explained that the move is not merely intended to shift the "centre of gravity away from Ukraine", but rather to expand joint capabilities and establish "a second layer of resilience that guarantees continuity of production".

The production facility belonging to Ukrspecsystems in the UK.

Photo: Valerii Zaluzhnyi on Facebook

The production facility belonging to Ukrspecsystems in the UK.

Photo: Valerii Zaluzhnyi on Facebook

Quote: "We are keeping the centre of engineering expertise in Ukraine while integrating production into the British defence space. We are creating a new quality of partnership, where allies not only support each other but also build a shared industrial security base."

Details: Zaluzhnyi noted that for Ukraine, the project means stability and the possibility of long-term planning. For the UK, it strengthens its own defence industry, provides access to technologies proven in modern warfare and creates new jobs.

"Ukraine is fighting under constant missile strikes, infrastructure destruction and threats to production facilities. Yet our engineers are creating solutions born directly from frontline experience. Their improvements are driven by real combat use, not by theoretical research," he said.

Background:

• Last autumn, Ukrspecsystems announced a £200 million investment project in East Anglia. The plan involves the construction of an 11,000 sq m factory and the establishment of a testing and training centre. The project is expected to create up to 500 jobs and internship programmes in the region. Ukrspecsystems also announced its intention to expand its presence in the UK over the next three years.
• Founded in 2014, Ukrspecsystems is best known for its PD-2, Gekata and Shark series drones (Shark, Shark-M, Mini Shark), which are used for reconnaissance, surveillance and artillery fire adjustment.

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