Britain Begins Ballistic Missile Development for Ukraine’s Long-Range Strike
The United Kingdom has formally launched Project Nightfall, a new effort to develop a long-range tactical ballistic missile that could be used by Ukrainian forces in their conflict with Russia. Project Nightfall ballistic missile development aims to give Kyiv extended strike options beyond current capabilities.
Under the Ministry of Defence announcement, the ballistic missile will be ground-launched, carry a conventional warhead of about 200 kilograms, and have a range in excess of 500 kilometers. The system is designed to operate in high-threat environments with heavy electromagnetic interference and use mobile launch platforms for rapid firing and withdrawal.
UK Moves Quickly With Development Competition
The UK defence authority has opened a competition under Project Nightfall for industry teams to design and build prototype missiles. Three teams will be awarded development contracts worth about 9 million pounds each, with the goal of delivering the first three test missiles within 12 months.
The missiles are intended primarily for Ukrainian operational use, rather than immediate integration into the UK Armed Forces. UK officials say the programme will also generate experience that could inform future British long-range strike systems.
Design and Operating Requirements
According to the official UK Ministry of Defence release:
- The ballistic missile must exceed a 500 km range and carry a 200 kg conventional warhead.
- It should be resilient in contested electronic and navigation environments.
- Launch platforms are expected to enable rapid salvo fire and quick withdrawal.
- Plans call for scalable production, targeting at least 10 units per month.
Officials emphasised that rapid prototyping and industrial scaling are key goals of the programme.
Strategic Context and Support
The announcement comes amid ongoing Russian missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. UK Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the need to provide advanced weapons to Ukraine as part of broader Western support.
Project Nightfall joins other UK initiatives supplying air defence and strike systems to Ukraine, including multiple missile packages and long-term material support.
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