The UK government has expedited the delivery of hundreds of air defense missiles to Ukraine, arriving five months ahead of schedule. This timely support is part of a significant £1.6 billion ($2.13 billion) agreement made earlier this year, which includes the purchase of over 5,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), also referred to as Martlet, manufactured by Thales at its Belfast facility.
These advanced missiles have been in active use against Russian forces since the onset of the war in 2022, showcasing their effectiveness in the ongoing conflict. The missile program not only bolsters Ukraine’s defense capabilities but also brings economic benefits, creating 200 new jobs and supporting an additional 700 existing positions across the UK.
UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard, emphasized the United Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict, which he described as an illegal invasion by Russia. He highlighted the UK’s significant investment, noting that this year alone, the government plans to spend £4.5 billion ($6 billion) on military support for Ukraine, marking a record level of assistance.
The Lightweight Multirole Missile is characterized by its laser-guided technology, boasting a range of over 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) and capable of reaching speeds of Mach 1.5 (1,152 miles/1,852 kilometers per hour). This versatility allows the missile to be launched from various platforms, including land, sea, and air, making it effective against diverse targets such as military installations, armored personnel carriers, fast inshore attack craft, and aerial threats like drones.
The UK government reports that since the conflict began, hundreds of LMMs have been delivered to Ukraine, successfully neutralizing numerous Russian drones and other aerial threats.
In addition to the missile deliveries, the UK and Ukraine have launched the LYRA program, aimed at collaborating on the development of advanced battlefield technologies, specifically focusing on air defense interceptor drones. Under Project OCTOPUS, plans are in motion to mass-produce thousands of these interceptor drones each month to further enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
