The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has charged a 31-year-old Swindon man with providing information on British drone facilities to a representative linked to Russia’s military intelligence service.
Joshua Cammidge allegedly shared Google Maps screenshots identifying more than five drone-manufacturing sites and intended to carry out an act of sabotage himself.
Prosecutors also alleged that he was developing a Wi-Fi jamming device as part of plans to conduct in-person reconnaissance of the facilities.
The CPS said Cammidge communicated with and received instructions from a suspected representative of the GRU Volunteer Corps between late March and September 2026. The group is controlled by Russia’s military intelligence agency.
“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings,” said Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor for the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division.
“We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Home to the UK’s Largest Drone Facilities
Swindon has emerged as a major center for British drone production, with Lisbon-based Tekever establishing what it describes as the UK’s largest integrated drone-manufacturing facility in the town.
DroneTEX also operates what is billed as Europe’s largest drone-testing center in Swindon, where the UK Armed Forces develop and evaluate emerging technologies.
“Swindon is quickly becoming the UK’s leading tech hub for drone manufacturing, which is great news for the town, bringing high-skilled jobs and boosting wider supply chains,” former Defence Secretary John Healey said.
