Why it matters: This represents the first Ukrainian company to commit to a funded infrastructure investment in the UK, establishing Suffolk as a key production hub for unmanned aerial vehicles that support both UK and Ukrainian military supply chains.
The big picture: The investment was confirmed at the DSEI Conference in London on 9th September, where Rory Chamberlain, Managing Director UK at Ukrspecsystems, met with Alistair Carns, Minister for Veterans and People.
The details: Ukrspecsystems is Ukraine's leading developer and manufacturer of long-range unmanned aerial systems, which has been providing UAVs to the Ukrainian Armed Forces for several years. The company also works on products for wildfire management and wildlife remote monitoring.
Freeport East has spent the last six months working with Ukrspecsystems to explore sites and partnerships in the East of England, aiming to strengthen supply chains so that both Ukraine and the UK can access the latest UAV technologies.
What they're saying: Freeport East CEO Steve Beel said: "This is a major investment for the East of England and a real vote of confidence in our region as a place to do business and participate in unique economic clusters. Ukrspecsystems brings market-leading innovation to the UK that will create new opportunities and partnerships for local supply chains and job-seekers."
Rory Chamberlain, Managing Director UK at Ukrspecsystems, added: "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."
For context: The investment aligns with the Government's new Defence Industrial Strategy 2025, published yesterday, which focuses on making the defence sector an engine for growth and positioning the UK as a leader in defence innovation.
Alongside helping to locate the new facility in Mildenhall, Freeport East has also supported Ukrspecsystems in building links with local supply chain partners across the region and in identifying suitable UAV testing sites.
The bottom line: The £200m investment will establish Suffolk's first Ukrainian-owned defence manufacturing facility, creating 500 jobs whilst supporting military supply chains for both the UK and Ukraine.
