Why it matters: Military equipment destined for active combat in Ukraine will be produced and tested in our county, marking Suffolk's direct involvement in supporting Ukraine's war effort against Russian forces.
The details: Ukrspecsystems, Ukraine's leading developer of long-range unmanned aerial systems, will establish an 11,000m2 manufacturing facility at Mildenhall and a flight test and training centre in Elmsett, just outside Ipswich. The company has been providing UAVs to the Ukrainian Armed Forces for several years as they fight Russian forces.
The £200m investment will create around 500 jobs, including apprenticeships, whilst establishing the first Ukrainian-owned defence manufacturing facility outside Ukraine.
The big picture: The investment was announced at the DSEI Conference in London, where Steve Beel, CEO at Freeport East, met with Alistair Carns, Minister for Veterans and People. Freeport East has spent six months working with Ukrspecsystems to identify suitable sites and partnerships in the East of England.
What they're saying: Rory Chamberlain, Managing Director UK at Ukrspecsystems, 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 factory at Mildenhall and flight test and training facility at Elmsett are testament to this commitment."
Steve Beel, CEO at Freeport East, said: "Ukrspecsystems brings market-leading innovation to the UK that will create new opportunities and partnerships for local supply chains and job-seekers."
For context: The investment aligns with the Government's new Defence Industrial Strategy 2025, published this week, which focuses on making the defence sector an engine for growth and positioning the UK as a leader in defence innovation.
Ukrspecsystems also develops products for civilian applications including wildfire management and wildlife remote monitoring, though the primary focus of the Suffolk facilities will be military production.
The bottom line: The £200m investment establishes Suffolk as Ukraine's first international drone manufacturing base, with military equipment produced in Mildenhall and tested near Ipswich creating 500 local jobs and contributing to Ukraine's war efforts.
