US Army Trials British Skyhammer Interceptor for Drone Defense
The US Army evaluated Cambridge Aerospace’s Skyhammer interceptor as a low-cost air defense layer.
The US Army has tested Cambridge Aerospace’s Skyhammer system as part of ongoing efforts to evaluate new air defense technologies.
Cambridge describes Skyhammer as a cost-conscious interceptor designed for integration into a multi-layered defense architecture against aerial threats.
Soldiers from the 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade (52d ADA BDE) assessed the system’s potential to expand engagement options and improve weapon capacity within an integrated air defense framework.
The brigade emphasized that the trials were not a decision to field the system, but a data-gathering effort to determine whether it should advance to further evaluation.
The Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate is expected to invite the British firm for additional operational assessments later this year, in a setting designed to better replicate realistic mission conditions.
“This partnership with the [52d ADA BDE] allowed us to put Skyhammer in front of soldiers who understand the threat and the mission,” said Chris Sylvan, chief commercial officer and co-founder of Cambridge Aerospace.
“Their feedback was direct, operationally grounded, and invaluable as we continue refining the system for real-world use.”
Expanding Air Defense Capacity
Alongside Skyhammer, the 52d ADA BDE is also working with Cambridge Aerospace on Starhammer, a cruise missile designed for lower-cost production and enhanced target defeat capability.
The partnership reflects the brigade’s broader effort to test and integrate emerging technologies aimed at strengthening US Army air defense capabilities.
“Along with increasing magazine depth amongst c-UAS capabilities, we are looking to do the same in the counter cruise missile space, at a low cost, to augment our exquisite interceptors,” said Maj. Cody Davis, 52d ADA BDE Operations Officer.
“Currently, we are planning to integrate the StarHammer into existing joint-force and European multinational exercises.”
Source: Militaryni
