Date Posted:
2 December 2025
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Ukrspecsystems
Ukrspecsystems is a Ukraine-based defence company specialising in uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). Founded in 2014 the company set out to strengthen local manufacturing of combat-ready drones, and its success has now paved the way for expansion into the UK, with support from Freeport East.
East Anglia will benefit from a £200m investment in Suffolk by Ukrspecsystems, a long-term supplier of UAS to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. With its rich defence and airfield heritage and specialist technical expertise, East Anglia provides the ideal environment for innovation in this fast-growing sector. This major milestone not only boosts the region’s growth but strengthens the UK’s role in the global defence drone market.
It also marks the first major investment by a Ukrainian defence company in the UK, creating around 500 jobs at its 11,000m2 factory at Mildenhall and testing and training centre in Elmsett.
A major vote of confidence in East Anglia
Steve Beel, CEO at Freeport East, says: “This is a major investment for the East of England and a clear vote of confidence in our region as a place to do business and be part of exciting economic clusters. We are proud to support Ukrspecsystems as it brings pioneering innovation to the UK, opening up opportunities for supply chains and driving job creation.”
Rory Chamberlain, UK Managing Director at Ukrspecsystems, says: “We are grateful for the invaluable support and guidance from Freeport East and we look forward to continuing this partnership as we expand in the UK and establish the region as a launch pad into export markets.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP highlighted Ukrspecsystems as a key driver of growth in East Anglia, and that it reflects the industry priorities outlined in the 2025 UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
Support from Freeport East
Through close collaboration with partners, Freeport East helped to secure this game-changing investment by providing dedicated support from an early stage.
Over the past six months, Freeport East has supported Ukrspecsystems by:
• Identifying and securing site options – from manufacturing facilities to training locations.
• Securing introductions to senior leaders across higher and further education, UK Export Finance, UK Defence & Innovation (UKDI), Make UK Defence, and Innovate UK
• Supporting national and regional media coverage and the investors at DSEI 2025 to strengthen UK stakeholder engagement
By choosing East Anglia and Freeport East, Ukrspecsystems will be at the heart of a thriving technology cluster. With access to the Port of Felixstowe and the A14 corridor, the company is set to create new opportunities for industry and the local community. With significant future growth potential both directly and through the supply chain, the range of site-specific investment incentives and wider expertise that Freeport East can provide are well suited to support Ukrspecsystems going forwards. This will all provide a valuable opportunity to secure further economic benefits off the back of the Defence sector ambitions in the UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
Investing in skills and the region’s future
Central to the project is the safeguarding and development of high-level electronics and engineering skills in the region, many of which have been impacted by recent consolidation and takeovers. This project ensures the continuity of advanced manufacturing expertise while also creating new areas of growth.
Training and upskilling are now critical, and discussions are under way with local further education colleges to establish tailored programmes for apprenticeships and technician training. Furthermore, there is ambition for University partnerships to support graduates, research, and knowledge sharing, which will boost skills and workforce mobility across the region.
