UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) is to invest over £140 million in drone and counter-drone technology in its first year of operation.

The funding includes £30 million investment this year into counter-drone technology to protect the UK homeland and allies, in the face of increasing Russian-linked drone incursions across Europe.

UKDI was launched in July to be the focal point for innovation within the Ministry of Defence. It is backed by at least £400 million.

Many of the companies involved remain anonymous, but there are 20 British SMEs, 11 British ‘Micro-SMEs’, and 2 British Academic institutions.

John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, said: "After years of hollowing out and underfunding, I am determined to put Britain’s Armed Forces, and British businesses, at the leading edge of defence innovation.

"The Strategic Defence Review was clear that we must learn the lessons of the war in Ukraine, which is why we’re surging investment into drone and counter drone systems. Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukrainian civilians and their grey-zone drone incursions across Europe show why this drone drive is so urgent.

"In a new era of threat, this rapid investment will make the UK secure at home and strong abroad, while making defence an engine for growth, ensuring the UK is the best place in the world to start and grow a defence business."