UK to Supply Ukraine with 5,000 Air Defense Missiles in £1.6 Billion Deal

The UK government has announced a major deal to supply Ukraine with 5,000 air defense missiles at a cost of £1.6 billion.

The deal, which will create approximately 200 new jobs in Northern Ireland, is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities against Russian aggression. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized that Kyiv will receive thousands of air defense missiles as part of the "peace through strength" approach. The agreement is also expected to significantly benefit the UK economy and bolster Thales’ Belfast facility, which currently employs around 700 workers.

According to news agencies, the missiles in question are Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), with Thales’ Belfast production facility set to triple its output to meet demand. Under a previous contract, Ukraine had already received 650 missiles, and the current shipments are expected to continue on a rolling basis.

UK Defense Secretary John Healey addressed the deal, stating that three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the world is at a critical juncture for Ukraine’s future and Europe’s security. "The UK will continue to lead international efforts to support Ukraine in pursuit of a ceasefire and peace," he declared. Healey also noted that Thales-manufactured missiles, which have already been delivered and deployed operationally in Ukraine, have proven effective in defending civilians and critical infrastructure from Russian attacks.

The missile supply announcement follows last month’s declaration by the UK Defense Secretary of an additional £150 million aid package for Ukraine. This package is primarily intended to support Ukrainian forces fighting on the front lines against Russia, underscoring Britain’s continued commitment to Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty.