An example of what Ukraine faces. A supersonic Russian Dagger missile in flight against a blue sky.
Belfast factory to build 5,000 missiles in €2bn Ukraine deal.
Credit: Shutterstock, Anelo
A major contract worth £1.6 billion (€2 billion) is set to give Ukraine’s air defences a serious boost – while creating 200 new jobs in Belfast. Under the deal, the UK will supply over 5,000 lightweight multirole missiles (LMM), manufactured at the Thales weapons plant in Castlereagh.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Sunday, March 2, that the missiles, which can travel at 1.5 times the speed of sound and strike targets more than six kilometres away, will be crucial in shielding Ukraine’s infrastructure.
“This will be vital for protecting critical infrastructure now and strengthen Ukraine in securing the peace when it comes because we have to learn from the mistakes of the past.”
The contract, underwritten by United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF), also aims to bolster British industry back home. Defence Secretary John Healey added that the new support would not only protect Ukraine from drone and missile attacks but also help deter further hostilities:
“This new deal delivers on the UK’s ironclad commitment to step up military support for Ukraine whilst boosting jobs and growth at home.”
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