The Skyhammer drone interceptor has been successfully integrated with elements of the ORCUS counter-uncrewed air system during UK trials, and work on its command-and-control and sensor interfaces is continuing, according to defence minister Luke Pollard.
Ben Obese-Jecty, the Conservative MP for Huntingdon, asked what progress had been made in integrating the two systems. Pollard, the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, replied: “Skyhammer has been successfully integrated with elements of the ORCUS counter-uncrewed air system during UK trials. Further integration, testing and assurance activity is continuing to develop the capability, including its command-and-control and sensor interfaces.”
Cambridge Aerospace’s Skyhammer is designed to counter Shahed-style attack drones, with a company-stated range of about 30 kilometres and a top speed of about 700 km/h. The Ministry of Defence announced plans in April to buy the interceptor and launchers for UK forces and Gulf partners, with first deliveries as early as May. Pollard watched a trial of the missile in Jordan shortly after the contract was signed.
Skyhammer is a turbojet-powered interceptor designed for launch from a ground-based tube launcher. The weapon carries a payload of approximately 2kg and uses autonomous guidance following launch. According to Cambridge Aerospace, the interceptor receives target-tracking information from an external command-and-control system before using its onboard guidance equipment to pursue the target.
Its guidance arrangement incorporates radar-derived targeting information and an electro-optical seeker for terminal engagement. Development began in January 2025, with initial flight testing taking place approximately six weeks later.
ORCUS is a modular counter-uncrewed aircraft system developed by Leonardo UK under the Royal Air Force’s Project Synergia programme. It combines radar, radio-frequency detection equipment and electro-optical sensors to detect, track and identify airborne targets, with electronic countermeasures available to disrupt certain drone threats. The system achieved Initial Operating Capability in September 2020 and is operated by RAF Regiment personnel for force protection duties. Its sensor suite includes long-range thermal imaging equipment, while the modular architecture permits the integration of additional detection and defeat systems. ORCUS has been deployed to support the protection of military installations and has also been made available for Military Aid to Civil Authorities operations.
This is all lies, I know for a fact the UK has no anti drone systems and all our bases are completely undefended 😜