Oxfordshire, UK – 20th June 2026 – MGI Engineering this week showcased its TigerShark deep-strike system during a MOD industry event highlighting progress on Project BRAKESTOP , the UK’s initiative to accelerate the development of long-range autonomous strike systems through closer collaboration with the defence industry.
The event brought together senior MOD officials, defence industry representatives and programme stakeholders to review progress made under Project BRAKESTOP phases one and two.
MGI Engineering was awarded a development contract by the MOD and has since been advancing TigerShark as the platform to be adopted under the programme.
TigerShark is MGI Engineering’s high-speed, long-range autonomous one-way effector (OWE), developed and manufactured in the United Kingdom for deep-strike missions against high-value targets. Designed to provide an affordable and scalable alternative to traditional cruise missile capability, TigerShark combines long range, significant payload capacity and autonomous operation within a software-defined, open architecture platform.
The platform is capable of carrying payloads of up to 300 kilograms at speeds of up to 750 kilometres per hour, with a range of 900km. Designed for operations in contested environments, TigerShark uses advanced navigation technologies that enable it to operate effectively in GNSS-denied and spoofed conditions.
Its modular payload bay supports a range of mission requirements, while its open architecture design allows for the rapid integration of new payloads, software upgrades and future capabilities.
MGI aims to scale the production of its TigerShark platform in Q4 this year, and into 2027 too.
Pictured: Rt Hon Dan Jarvis (centre left), Secretary of State for Defence, pictured with Mike Gascoyne (2nd from left) CEO MGI Engineering with MGI colleagues and partners, including Nick Copsey of Level Peaks
Mike Gascoyne, CEO of MGI Engineering, said: “Project BRAKESTOP is a positive example of how the MOD and industry can work together to accelerate development, testing and get the right capabilities into service quickly.
“TigerShark was developed to provide the UK and its allies with a sovereign, affordable and scalable deep-strike capability. By combining long range, significant payload capacity and autonomous operation within an open architecture system, we believe it is well aligned with the requirements being explored through Project BRAKESTOP and the demands of modern conflict.”
Project BRAKESTOP is a UK Ministry of Defence initiative designed to accelerate the development and deployment of long-range autonomous strike systems by bringing together government, industry and defence technology partners through a faster, more agile procurement and development process.
The programme seeks to identify and mature sovereign UK capabilities that can deliver precision effects at range in contested environments, while applying lessons from contemporary conflicts such as Ukraine. Through a phased approach of development, testing and evaluation, Project BRAKESTOP aims to shorten traditional acquisition timelines and rapidly field affordable, scalable autonomous systems that can enhance the UK’s future deep-strike capabilities.
Pictured: Mike Gascoyne, CEO MGI Engineering with Louise Sandher-Jones MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces).
The development of TigerShark draws on MGI Engineering’s experience across the aerospace, motorsport and defence sectors, applying rapid engineering and testing methodologies to shorten development timelines.
The platform has been designed as a software-defined system, enabling updates and enhancements to be introduced as operational requirements evolve.
Picture: TigerShark in action taking off during a recent successful launch
As Project BRAKESTOP moves forward, MGI Engineering will continue to support the programme and the development of sovereign autonomous systems for UK Defence.
ENDS