Britain is developing new tactical ballistic missiles with a range of more than 500 km, the Defense Ministry in London has announced
The UK Defense Ministry has announced plans to develop new long-range missiles for Ukraine that would be capable of striking targets deep inside Russian territory.
The ministry announced the launch of Project Nightfall on Sunday, an initiative aimed at boosting Ukraine’s strike capabilities. The planned tactical ballistic missiles would carry a warhead weighing around 200 kg and have a range of more than 500 km, according to the statement.
The project envisions awarding contracts to three industrial teams to produce test missiles within a year. The ministry said production could eventually reach up to ten systems per month, with each missile expected to cost up to $1 million. Proposals are due in early February, with contracts expected to be signed by March 2026.
“A secure Europe needs a strong Ukraine. These new long-range British missiles will keep Ukraine in the fight and give [Russian President Vladimir] Putin another thing to worry about,” UK Defense Procurement Minister Luke Pollard stated, as quoted by the ministry.
Commenting on the announcement, Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin told RIA Novosti that London is engaging in wishful thinking by promising to supply Kiev with missiles that have not yet been developed.
The UK has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest backers since the escalation of the conflict in February 2022. It has supplied Kiev with long-range cruise missiles, including Storm Shadows, and has lifted restrictions on their use against targets inside Russia. Moscow denounced the step as a dangerous escalation.
Ukraine has repeatedly used Storm Shadow missiles developed by the UK and France for strikes in Crimea and Donbass, while carrying out daily drone attacks on other Russian regions, including Moscow. Russia has accused Kiev of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure.
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Moscow has warned that Western weapons supplies to Ukraine undermine the prospects for a peaceful settlement and draw NATO countries directly into the conflict. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said any shipments of weapons to Ukraine would be considered legitimate military targets.
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