IRIA News

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The British government announced on March 3, 2025, that it has placed a major order worth up to $2 billion with Thales to supply more than 5,000 air defense missiles for Ukraine.

The contract, handled by the Defense Equipment & Support department of the British Ministry of Defense (MoD), will provide Ukraine with Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) produced at Thales’ factory in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The deal is expected to generate 200 new jobs and sustain 700 existing ones, making it the largest single order in the history of the Thales Belfast plant.

The UK’s decision to expand its support for Ukraine was announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday after a meeting of European leaders in London to discuss military assistance for Kyiv.

Strategic importance of the missile deal

Ukraine has been urging Western allies for months to boost its air defense capabilities as Russia continues to bombard civilian areas and critical infrastructure with a mix of suicide drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles.

“This new support will help protect Ukraine against drone and missile attacks, but it will also help deter further Russian aggression following any end to the fighting,” said British Defense Secretary John Healey.

The UK’s expanded commitment aligns with warnings from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), which has noted that Russia is ramping up production of missiles and attack drones. Western air defense systems are seen as critical in countering these threats.

Funding and production

The missiles for Ukraine will be funded through a loan underwritten by UK Export Finance, part of a broader $4.4 billion export financing package set up last year to enable Ukraine to procure British-made military equipment.

The initial contract is valued at $1.46 billion, with an additional $630 million worth of potential work, the MoD confirmed. This new order follows an initial $204 million deal in September 2024, which covered the supply of 650 LMM missiles to Ukraine. The first deliveries from that contract began in December, and the missiles have already played a crucial role in Ukraine’s defense.

According to the Ministry of Defense, the LMMs have been “incredibly effective in protecting civilians and critical infrastructure from Russia’s bombardment.” The new order will triple the production of LMM missiles at Thales Belfast, benefiting defense companies across the UK’s supply chain.

Technical capabilities of the LMM

The Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM), also known as “Martlet”, is a highly advanced air defense weapon designed for precision targeting in urban environments.

Key specifications of the LMM:

• Weight: 13 kg
• Speed: Mach 1.5 (approximately 1,150 mph or 1,850 km/h)
• Range: Over 6 km
• Guidance system: Laser-guided, enabling low collateral damage
• Warhead: Triple-effect, featuring a proximity fuse

The missile can be launched from a variety of platforms, including helicopters, drones, ground-based launchers, and naval vessels. Its laser guidance system makes it particularly effective in avoiding unnecessary damage in densely populated areas.

Geopolitical and Military Implications

The expanded UK-Ukraine defense agreement reflects a deepening Western commitment to supporting Kyiv’s resistance against the Russian invasion, particularly after the U.S. pulled back its support for Ukraine. European nations and NATO allies have been stepping up arms deliveries amid growing concerns that Russia’s increased weapons production could prolong the war.

This latest UK order is part of a broader trend of Western arms supplies to Ukraine, including:

• German IRIS-T and Gepard anti-aircraft systems
• French SCALP cruise missiles
• Swedish Archer artillery systems

With Ukraine facing sustained Russian airstrikes on cities and energy infrastructure, securing a steady supply of air defense missiles is critical to protecting both civilians and military operations.

Economic and industrial impact

Beyond its strategic military importance, the missile contract is a major boost for the UK defense industry. The $2 billion deal ensures long-term stability for Thales Belfast, a key employer in Northern Ireland’s high-tech sector. By tripling production of LMM missiles, the deal will also benefit UK defense supply chain companies, reinforcing Britain’s position as a key supplier of high-tech weaponry to Ukraine.

With the war in Ukraine showing no signs of de-escalation, Western governments are increasingly focused on long-term military support for Kyiv. This historic missile order underscores the UK’s commitment to aiding Ukraine’s defense while deterring future Russian aggression.

As Ukraine continues to demand more air-defense systems, long-range missiles, and artillery, further military aid packages from the UK and its allies are likely in the coming months.