The Ukrainian drone technology firm UFORCE is set to significantly enhance its operations in the United Kingdom, following a substantial investment of £113 million from the government-backed National Wealth Fund. This funding is part of a larger Series A financing round totalling $700 million (over £525 million), aimed at bolstering UFORCE’s expansion and advanced manufacturing capabilities within the UK.
As part of this initiative, UFORCE plans to increase its engineering, training, and production workforce in the UK, as well as establish a British supply chain. Impressively, over 70% of the components for each vessel produced in the UK will be sourced from local suppliers. This move not only supports the company’s growth but also fortifies the UK’s defence capabilities and supply chains, particularly in the context of Northern Europe.
Creating High-Skilled Jobs and Strengthening Defence
UFORCE, a defence technology company with Ukrainian roots and a UK headquarters, is renowned for developing combat-proven autonomous and uncrewed systems across various domains including land, sea, and air. The investment is expected to generate hundreds of high-skilled jobs in fields such as engineering, software development, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. The UK is set to become a strategic base to support allied nations, particularly those within the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), with a focus on capabilities tailored for operations in Northern waters.
John Healey, Chancellor of the Exchequer, remarked that the integration of battle-tested Ukrainian technology into the UK will result in increased high-skilled employment, fresh investment, and enhanced capabilities for the British Armed Forces. He emphasised that this investment aligns with the National Wealth Fund’s objective of bolstering both economic and national security, positioning the UK at the forefront of emerging defence technologies.
Transforming Military Innovation and Readiness
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated that Ukraine is reshaping the landscape of modern warfare, highlighting the shift from the UK training Ukraine to being trained by them. He noted that the ability to innovate swiftly is becoming a critical measure of military strength. By incorporating this battle-tested expertise, the UK aims to create high-skilled roles, stimulate innovation, and enhance its warfighting readiness, thus improving its capacity to deter potential adversaries.
The investment will facilitate the scaling of British production and engineering efforts for UFORCE’s systems, enhancing their availability not only for the UK but also for Ukraine and allied nations. This expansion positions the UK as a pivotal hub for software, command-and-control, and production capabilities, supporting UFORCE’s global ambitions.
Commitment to Education and Apprenticeships
UFORCE is also committed to fostering the next generation of talent by developing and sponsoring apprenticeships in collaboration with universities and colleges throughout the UK. The technology was recently showcased during a demonstration aboard HMS Prince of Wales in Norway, where Secretary Streeting successfully piloted a UFORCE MV7 uncrewed vessel located over 1,500 miles away in the Atlantic Ocean.
This significant investment is a key milestone in the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership, reinforcing the defence industrial relationship between the two nations while introducing battle-proven Ukrainian technology to British shores. Oliver Holbourn, CEO of the National Wealth Fund, praised the investment as a testament to the strong ties between the UK and Ukraine, underscoring its role in creating high-skilled jobs and enhancing the UK’s position as a leader in technological innovation crucial to national security and economic stability.
Strengthening Transatlantic Security
Oleg Rogynskyy, CEO of UFORCE, expressed gratitude for the UK’s early support of Ukraine’s defence technology ecosystem, highlighting the collaborative efforts to address challenges faced by both countries. He noted that this investment is a further demonstration of the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine and the deepening partnership between the two nations. Together, they are poised to lead the world in the next generation of defence technology, with a commitment to building a secure future in Britain.