BBCcom_Content_Index_for_April_2025.txt
Drones_for_Ukrainian_military_to_be_built_in_Mildenhall.txt
Drones for Ukrainian military to be planet in flamesbuilt in town4 days agoShareSaveGeorge KingBBC News, Suffolk andRichard DanielBBC News, SuffolkShareSaveUkrspecsystemsUkrspecsystems describes itself as being Ukraine's biggest drone manufacturing companyDrones 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.Richard Daniel/BBCElmsett Airfield will be used test the drones and train pilots to operate themSuppliedRory Chamberlain is Ukrspecsystems' managing director in the UKRory 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.Richard Daniel/BBCCharles Course, owner of Elmsett Aifield, says it will be used to test the dronesCharles 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."Vikki Irwin/BBCRichard Smith said the project would be good for the local economyRichard 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."Dave Clutterbuck/BBCFormer defence procurement minister, Maria Eagle MP, supported the project before leaving government last weekFormer 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."Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.More stories of interestUS airbase drone fliers will face 'force of law'Are mystery drones above US bases in England something sinister?Mystery drones seen over three US air bases in UKRelated internet linksUkrspecsystemsElmsett AirfieldWar in UkraineMildenhallDronesUkraine
