Ukrspecsystems' new manufacturing facility in Mildenhall was unveiled on Wednesday by Luke Pollard MP, minister for defence readiness and industry, and General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

The firm, which supplies technology used on the front line in Ukraine's war against Russia, is investing £200million as part of the unveiling of the new warehouse.

A training site for the drones is also being developed in Elmsett.

Around 500 jobs are expected to be created as a result of the investment.

Ukrainian Ambassador Gen Zaluzhnyi addressing those in attendance. (Image: George Lucas)

"Our resolve to support for Ukraine is stronger than ever, and we are backing Ukraine’s defiant Armed Forces as they fight for peace," said Mr Pollard.

“Ukrspecsystems’ new factory is a vote of confidence in UK support and underlines the deepening cooperation between our nations’ defence industries.

"This investment will create up to 500 new jobs in the East of England, drive defence as an engine for growth, and help Ukraine defend itself against Putin’s aggression.”

General Manager of Ukrspecsystems (Dmytro Khasapov)  - Ukrainian Ambassador (Gen Zaluzhnyi) - Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry - Luke Pollard MP (Image: George Lucas)

Its new site is near to Thetford Forest, which is already being used to train some of Ukraine's military personnel.

The opening happened on Wednesday. (Image: George Lucas)

As part of the opening on Wednesday, guests were given a guided tour of the factory, while a roundtable discussion focused on building resilient supply chains was also held.

Rory Chamberlain (centre) manager director of the firm (Image: Freeport East)

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Steve Beel, chief executive of Freeport East, which is supporting the investment, said: "This visit is a strong demonstration of what international collaboration can achieve.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry - Luke Pollard MP - handling a Mini-Shark drone. (Image: George Lucas)

Luke Pollard, the minister for defence, addressing those in attendance. (Image: George Lucas)

"Freeport East is proud to support partnerships that combine innovation, advanced manufacturing and shared values, while delivering real economic and industrial benefits for the UK.

"Working alongside Ukrspecsystems, we are helping to build resilient supply chains, create high-value jobs in East Anglia and strengthen the UK’s capability in emerging autonomous technologies."

Rory Chamberlain, managing director at Ukrspecsystems, added: "By establishing production in the UK, Ukrspecsystems are increasing the resilience of the UK’s defence industrial base, and providing a trusted supply chain that ensures that the drones relied upon by the Ukrainian Armed Forces can be built and scaled without interruption."

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