The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is taking significant steps towards enhancing its military capabilities by seeking industry feedback on the development of a new sovereign ground-launched tactical ballistic missile, referred to as Nightfall. This missile is projected to be ready for trials within a year and aims to serve as a more economical yet effective alternative to the American MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System and the newer Precision Strike Missile.
With an estimated unit cost of £500,000 (around $675,250), the Nightfall missile offers a competitive option for the UK’s military strategy. The ministry is calling for potential contractors to supply at least 10 units per month initially, with the flexibility to increase production volumes based on demand.
Key specifications for the Nightfall missile include the ability to strike targets located more than 600 kilometers (approximately 373 miles) away while carrying a warhead weighing around 300 kilograms (661 pounds). The missile must maintain some degree of maneuverability while following a ballistic trajectory, enhancing its effectiveness in real-world combat scenarios.
The system is designed for rapid deployment; a ground vehicle should have the capability to launch multiple missiles within a mere 15 minutes and then evacuate the launch site within five minutes to minimize the risk of counterfire from the enemy. Flight time is expected to remain under 10 minutes, and the missile is required to hit within 5 meters (16.4 feet) of a specified GPS coordinate at least 50 percent of the time, incorporating a strict circular error probability of 5 meters.
In terms of technical specifications, the Nightfall missile must possess a low multispectral signature, ensuring stealth capabilities while also maintaining functionality in contested electromagnetic environments, including situations where GPS signals may be compromised. Resilience against spoofing and other electronic warfare threats is also a critical requirement.
The MoD anticipates that five all-up rounds of the missile will be ready for trials within 9 to 12 months. A key element of the Nightfall design is to minimize or completely eliminate dependencies on foreign government technology and restrictions, such as export controls. This strategic move aligns with the broader goal of fostering sovereign military capabilities in the UK.
The development of the Nightfall missile is also part of the British Army’s initiative to upgrade and expand its fleet of 40 M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS). The modernized launchers will have the capability to fire the Extended-Range Guided MLRS rocket, with a range of 150 kilometers (93 miles), as well as the Precision Strike Missile, which has a reach of up to 499 kilometers (310 miles). A successful introduction of a sovereign tactical ballistic missile could enable the UK to independently ramp up production of MLRS munitions and may even open doors for future export opportunities.
