- Windracers showcased its ULTRA heavy drone in Parliament, highlighting the crucial role of UK-made autonomous systems in supporting Ukraine.
- Invited by the Ministry of Defense and welcomed by cross-party MPs, including Al Carnes and Luke Pollard, the presentation emphasized the value of sovereign technology and home-grown innovation in defence.
- With a range of up to 1,000 km and a payload of 150 kg, Windracers ULTRA are already providing logistical support and surveillance in Ukraine. The Westminster event was a reminder of how British engineering is shaping the future of dual-use drones on the battlefield and beyond.
Windracers, the British dual-use drone engineering and manufacturer, presented Windracers ULTRA in the Speaker’s Chamber, with the kind permission of the Speaker, Mr Lindsay Hoyle, MP.
Following an exclusive invitation from the MoD, Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carnes and Minister for Defense Preparedness and Industry Luke Pollard were among the senior government figures to welcome Windracers ULTRA to Westminster, highlighting the importance of UK sovereign technology supporting Ukraine.
Photo caption: Minister for Defense Preparedness and Industry, Luke Pollard, MP with Rebecca Twomey, Director of Flight Operations at Windracers, as they tour the Windracers ULTRA aircraft.
The visit provided parliamentarians and senior UK Government officials with direct access to ULTRA Windracers and a clear view of the role that British independent aviation plays in Ukraine. Discussions focused on investment and the importance of maintaining sovereign industrial capacity in advanced autonomous systems.
Windracers began delivering ULTRA to Ukraine in 2023 and the program remains ongoing, with additional rigs being dispatched in recent weeks.
Windracers are the world’s most accomplished dual-use drone that provides long-range multi-mission capabilities, from delivering cargo, carrying surveillance equipment, and conducting precision airdrops in contested or hard-to-reach locations.
“Logistics, adaptability and innovation help secure a winning advantage on any battlefield,” said Secretary of the Armed Forces, Rep. Al Carnes.
“With a range of up to 1,000 km and a payload of 150 kg, the Windracers ULTRA drone is making a difference on the battlefield in the hands of those defending European security in Ukraine.
“The UK has led the way in supplying Ukraine with drones with more than £600 million spent so far this year, including 20 UK-made Windracers, demonstrating that defense is an engine of growth across the country.”
The event was sponsored with cross-party support by the Minister for Defense Preparedness and Industry, Luke Pollard, and the Secretary of State for Defence, James Cartledge.
Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, James Cartledge, said: “I am proud to co-sponsor the Windracers ULTRA demonstration in Parliament this week. We have a real opportunity for our sovereign industrial base with UK SMEs like Windracers producing cutting-edge unmanned capabilities for use in Ukraine.”
Simon Modrack, Windracers CEO, said: “Seeing the Windracers ULTRA in front of the limestone walls of Parliament really highlighted the importance of Britain’s sovereign capability. This platform is more than just an engineering feat; it is a practical tool that is making a real difference on the ground in Ukraine.
“Everyone on the Windracers team recognizes the MoD’s vital role in enabling our work. We are grateful for their continued support and proud to deliver advanced autonomous aviation that strengthens the defense of the UK and our allies.”
As MP for the Windracers’ home constituency, Paul Holmes MP welcomed the recognition of the platform.
Paul Holmes MP, constituency representative for the Windracers’ headquarters in Humble Vale, said: “The Windracers are doing fantastic work to strengthen the UK’s sovereign capabilities. Their outstanding drone technology is advancing the UK’s defense aviation and it is great to see their achievements being recognised.”
“It is a great honor to represent the Windracers as their local MP.”
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