The UK Ministry of Defence has signed a significant contract with Thales to supply over 5,000 lightweight multirole missiles (LMMs) to Ukraine, marking a major step in London’s ongoing military support for the nation amid its struggle against Russian aggression since early 2022. The contract, valued at £1.6 billion (approximately $2 billion), comes as part of the UK’s broader commitment to bolster Ukraine’s defenses.
Each LMM will weigh 13 kilograms (27 pounds) and possess an operational range exceeding 6 kilometers (4 miles), with impressive speed capabilities of over Mach 1.5, which translates to around 1,852 kilometers (1,150 miles) per hour. These advanced ordnance systems are intended to fortify Ukraine’s defense against threats posed by drones and missiles, and serve as a deterrent against any potential escalation of hostilities once active fighting comes to an end.
This procurement effort is part of an earlier commitment made in September 2024, which included approximately 650 air defense missiles for Ukraine, slated for delivery by the end of that year. The manufacturing of the missiles will take place at Thales’ facility located in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the importance of this contract in a statement, noting that it reflects the UK’s steadfast dedication to assisting Ukraine at a pivotal moment in its ongoing conflict with Russia. “Three years since Putin launched his full-scale invasion, we are now at a critical moment for the future of Ukraine and the security of us all in Europe,” Healey remarked. He underscored the UK’s commitment to leading international efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution and emphasized that the UK’s military assistance will continue to protect Ukraine while also deterring further Russian aggression.
Beyond the immediate military implications, the contract is expected to stimulate economic growth within the UK, creating around 200 new jobs and securing 700 existing positions within the local industrial base in Belfast. Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK government’s relentless support for Ukraine, affirming his determination to find pathways to end what he termed Russia’s illegal war. He expressed confidence in achieving a robust and enduring peace through cooperative efforts with international partners.
This defence initiative is aligned with the UK government’s goal of elevating its defense expenditures to 2.5 percent of its gross domestic product by 2027. It also ties into the “Task Force Hirst,” a collaborative effort designed to enhance industrial relations between the UK and Ukraine. Through this partnership, Kyiv aims to access £3.5 billion ($4.4 billion) in funding intended for complex weaponry and land systems support.
The contract has been viewed as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the UK defense industry in meeting the urgent needs of Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict. Andy Start, the UK National Armaments Director, noted the importance of this deal in furthering the objectives of Task Force HIRST and facilitating sustainable partnerships between the defense sectors of both nations. He concluded that the substantial ramp-up in LMM production capacity will support Ukraine’s immediate military efforts and enhance the long-term security of the UK.
