Low-Cost Air Defence Effectors (LCADE)

Agency

UK Ministry of Defence (National Armaments Director Group)

Acronym

LCADE

Budget

£3.16M (aggregate, 3 companies)

Phase

Development/demonstration

Domain

Counter-drone / air defence

• CompanyGreenjetsUK developer of ducted-fan electric propulsion systems and low-cost drone interceptors, aiming to become the UK's next aerospace prime.
• CompanyCambridge AerospaceUK counter-drone startup building the Skyhammer interceptor family (range 30km+, top speed 700km/h) for drones and low-speed cruise missiles; UK Ministry of Defence agreed in April 2026 to buy hundreds of Skyhammer systems.
• CompanyFrankenburgGerman drone interception systems for counter-UAS and air defense.

No linked records yet.

What is Low-Cost Air Defence Effectors (LCADE)?

Low-Cost Air Defence Effectors (LCADE) is a UK Ministry of Defence programme, run by the National Armaments Director Group, funding development of low-cost counter-drone/air-defence effectors. In July 2026 the MoD selected three companies — Greenjets, Cambridge Aerospace, and Frankenburg — under an aggregate £3.16M award (per-company split undisclosed).

Which agency runs Low-Cost Air Defence Effectors (LCADE)?

Low-Cost Air Defence Effectors (LCADE) is run by UK Ministry of Defence (National Armaments Director Group) and is also known as LCADE.

What is the budget for Low-Cost Air Defence Effectors (LCADE)?

Low-Cost Air Defence Effectors (LCADE) has a budget of £3.16M (aggregate, 3 companies), currently in its Development/demonstration phase.

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