- Windracers showcased its heavy-lift ULTRA drone at Parliament, highlighting the critical role of UK-made autonomous systems in supporting Ukraine.
- Invited by the Ministry of Defence and welcomed by cross-party MPs, including Al Carns and Luke Pollard, the presentation underscored the value of sovereign tech and homegrown innovation in defence.
- With a 1,000 km range and 150 kg payload, Windracers ULTRA is already delivering logistics and surveillance support in Ukraine. The Westminster event served as 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 manufacturing company, has presented Windracers ULTRA in Speaker’s Court in Parliament, by kind permission of Mr Speaker, the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP.
Following an exclusive invitation from the Ministry of Defence, the Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns MP and the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP were among senior government figures who welcomed Windracers ULTRA to Westminster, highlighting the importance of UK sovereign technology supporting Ukraine.
Image caption: Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP with Windracers Flight Operations Manager Rebecca Toomey touring Windracers ULTRA aircraft.
The visit gave parliamentarians and senior officials across UK Government direct access to Windracers ULTRA and a clear view of the role British autonomous aviation is playing in Ukraine. Discussions focused on investment and the importance of maintaining sovereign industrial capability in advanced autonomous systems.
Windracers began delivering ULTRA to Ukraine in 2023 and the programme remains ongoing, with additional platforms sent in recent weeks.
Windracers is the world’s most accomplished dual-use heavy-lift drone that provides multi-mission long-range capabilities, from delivering cargo, carrying surveillance equipment, and conducting precise airdrops in contested or hard-to-reach locations.
Minister for Armed Forces, Al Carns MP said: “Logistics, adaptation, and innovation help secure the winning edge on any battlefield.
“With a 1000km range and 150kg payload 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 providing Ukraine with drones with over £600 million spent so far this year, including 20 UK built Windracers, showing that defence is an engine for growth across the country.”
The event was sponsored with cross-party support by the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP and the Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, James Cartlidge MP.
Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, James Cartlidge MP said: “I was proud to co-sponsor the display of Windracers ULTRA in Parliament this week. We have a real opportunity for our own sovereign industrial base with UK SMEs such as Windracers producing cutting-edge uncrewed capabilities for use in Ukraine.”
Windracers CEO, Simon Muderack said: “Seeing Windracers ULTRA against the limestone walls of Parliament really brought home the significance of British sovereign capability. This platform is more than an engineering achievement; it is a practical tool making a real difference on the ground in Ukraine.
“Everyone in the Windracers team recognises the vital role of the Ministry of Defence in enabling our work. We are grateful for their ongoing support and proud to deliver advanced autonomous aviation that strengthens defence for the UK and our allies.”
As the constituency MP for Windracers headquarters, Paul Holmes MP welcomed the platform’s recognition.
Paul Holmes MP, constituency representative for Windracers headquarters in Hamble Valley said: “Windracers do remarkable work to strengthen the UK’s sovereign capabilities. Their outstanding drone technology is advancing the UK’s defence aviation and it’s great to see their achievements being recognised.
“It’s an honour to represent Windracers as their local MP.”
