Defence companies from both nations collaborate at Larkhill Garrison to accelerate development of battle-proven uncrewed systems.
By The SME Chronicle Newsroom
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of advanced drone technology on display at a military training ground.
UK and Ukrainian defence companies have convened at Larkhill Garrison on Salisbury Plain to accelerate innovation in battle-proven drone technology, fostering collaboration and investment to enhance future security.
Twelve Ukrainian drone manufacturers showcased combat-ready uncrewed systems to representatives from UK industry, investors, and military officials. The event aimed to connect Ukrainian innovators with British companies and investors, fostering collaboration, investment, and capability development to bolster the UK’s readiness for future threats.
The gathering explored opportunities for collaboration, co-development, and investment in uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and related technologies, strengthening ties between British and Ukrainian stakeholders. Demonstrations allowed attendees to witness technologies shaped by frontline experience, while dedicated networking sessions facilitated new commercial and industrial partnerships.
The event also served as a platform for UK industry, investors, and defence stakeholders to gain insights from Ukrainian operational experience and successes. It recognised the rapid evolution of uncrewed systems on the battlefield as a key factor shaping the future of warfare and safeguarding European security.
This showcase operationalises the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership, with MOD support extended to Ukraine’s defence sector. As the conflict evolves, Ukraine's innovation speed is crucial to staying ahead of Russia and fielding new capabilities. Such events, by uniting industry, military users, and technology developers, help ensure Ukraine maintains an advantage against emerging battlefield challenges, enhancing its fighting capacity and bolstering defence capability and industrial resilience in both nations.
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"Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security. That’s why the UK Government is backing British and Ukrainian collaboration, across our armed forces and industry. We want businesses and innovators from both countries to build together, invest together and succeed together."
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"This showcase is about turning innovation into action. By connecting Ukrainian companies with UK manufacturers, investors, and defence stakeholders, we can accelerate the development and delivery of technologies that strengthen both nations’ security. The UK offers a strong environment for growth, investment, and international collaboration, and we are actively encouraging UK-Ukraine partnerships that can help deliver the next generation of defence technology breakthroughs. One of the most important lessons from Ukraine is that government, industry, and the military must work together earlier and more closely to keep pace with rapidly evolving threats."
The event featured Ukrainian companies demonstrating technologies in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, autonomous systems, and other emerging UAS capabilities. It builds upon wider UK–Ukraine cooperation in defence technology and industrial development, including initiatives like the Kyiv Business Centre, which supports deeper collaboration between both nations. These efforts are generating opportunities for future investment, innovation, and economic growth in both the UK and Ukraine.
Based on information from the official source: Ministry of Defence (30/10/2026)
