French defense contractor Thales has announced plans to construct a third facility in Northern Ireland, a move underscored by its recent contract with the UK Ministry of Defence, valued at approximately $2 billion. This contract entails the production of 5,000 lightweight multirole missiles, specifically intended for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Managing Director Nigel MacVean confirmed an investment of £100 million (equivalent to $128.7 million) that will facilitate the establishment of new infrastructure in Northern Ireland. This new facility will complement Thales’ existing production site located in east Belfast and a testing site in County Down. The center is expected to be staffed by approximately 200 personnel, all of whom will be recruited over the next couple of years.
This initiative reflects Thales’s broader strategy to reinforce air defense support in the context of the UK-Ukraine alliance. The company’s latest project follows a partnership established with a Ukrainian defense entity in November 2024, aimed at the joint production of counter-drone missiles intended for use by Ukraine’s armed forces.
Thales has been active in supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities, having signed agreements in September 2024 with the UK to provide initial shipments of lightweight multirole missiles to be deployed in Ukraine. Many of these components were reportedly sent to Kyiv before the end of the year. Additionally, two months prior, Ukraine’s defense agency had secured a contract for an advanced air defense system from Thales. The company has also been engaged with the UK military, securing a contract in July for the supply of lightweight multirole missiles to support UK defense operations.
As Thales moves forward with this expansion in Northern Ireland, it is positioning itself as a key player in the defense sector, responding to rising demands for advanced weaponry and defense systems in Europe.
