The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is advancing a strategic initiative to develop a new tactical ballistic missile system named Nightfall. This ambitious project aims to produce a cost-effective missile that can be launched from mobile platforms, targeting ranges that exceed 500 kilometers (approximately 311 miles).
According to a recent tender notice, the MoD plans to deliver at least five operational rounds for trials within a 9 to 12-month timeframe. This follows an industry notice published in September that sought initial feedback from market participants regarding the project’s requirements.
The MoD has articulated that the target unit price for the missile should hover around £500,000 (equivalent to approximately $675,250), although this figure excludes costs associated with the warhead, the launcher, and development expenses. In comparison, similar technology used by the United States, like the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System, is estimated to cost between $1 million and $1.5 million per unit, while the newer Precision Strike Missile’s cost exceeds $3 million.
The specifications for the Nightfall include the ability to carry a warhead weighing about 200 kilograms (441 pounds) and to follow a supersonic ballistic trajectory. The missile must operate effectively under conditions where Global Positioning System (GPS) signals are contested or degraded, ensuring a circular error probability of 10 meters (33 feet), meaning that it should strike within 10 meters of its target half of the time.
The design stipulates that each launch vehicle must be capable of firing more than two missiles and that the missile should reach its target within 10 minutes post-launch. Moreover, the launch platform and crew must be able to redeploy within 15 minutes after completing all launches.
A key focus of the project is to maintain a sovereign capability, meaning that the missile’s design must avoid foreign trade or usage restrictions. This independence will also allow for future enhancements in range, precision, maneuverability, and telemetry.
Pending the successful transition to a contract phase, the MoD envisions that production could scale to at least 10 units monthly, with potential for further increases as demand dictates. This development aligns with the British Army’s ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its fleet of 40 M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), which will soon support newer rockets like the Extended-Range Guided MLRS, achieving ranges of up to 150 kilometers (93 miles), as well as the Precision Strike Missile with its 499-kilometer (310-mile) reach.
The introduction of a sovereign tactical ballistic missile system would enhance the UK’s capacity for independent munitions production, while also opening avenues for potential export opportunities in the future.
