In a substantial step to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities, Thales' missile manufacturing facility in Belfast has been awarded a contract to supply 5,000 lightweight multirole missiles (LMMs) to Ukraine. This announcement was made by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, underscoring the UK government's commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. The deal is valued at approximately £1.6 billion and is set to create around 200 jobs at the Belfast factory, which is one of Europe's leading arms manufacturers.
The lightweight multirole missiles that will be supplied are currently in use by Ukrainian forces, showcasing their importance on the battlefield. This latest contract is a follow-up to a previous agreement made in September, where 650 LMMs were initially supplied to Ukraine, with those deliveries commencing as early as December.
The new contract includes a base value of £1.16 billion, with potential for an additional £500 million in further collaborations with a Ukrainian industry partner. This partnership will focus on the local manufacture of launchers and command and control systems, thereby enhancing Ukraine’s self-sufficiency in defense.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, this represents the largest contract ever awarded to Thales in Belfast. Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted that the missiles will play a crucial role in protecting Ukraine against aerial threats and deterring further aggression from Russian forces. The deal is being executed through the procurement division of the Ministry of Defence on behalf of Ukraine's government, with funding facilitated by a loan from UK Export Finance (UKEF) following a prior commitment of £3.5 billion from the UK to assist Ukraine in bolstering its defense infrastructure.
As the conflict continues, this deal illustrates the UK's ongoing support for Ukraine amidst the heightened geopolitical tensions.
