UK plans to develop its own ballistic missiles and supply them to Ukraine – Bloomberg

The UK has signed contracts with several companies to develop its first ballistic missile in more than 50 years in an effort to support Ukraine and reduce Europe's reliance on US-made weapons.

Source: Bloomberg, as reported by European Pravda

Details: According to sources familiar with the situation, the UK Ministry of Defence has simplified technical requirements to speed up development and hand the weapon over to Ukraine in 2027.

Defence companies taking part in the programme, known as Nightfall, must pass trials successfully before being awarded missile production contracts, the sources said.

The sources said the initial contracts were due to be signed by March, but their conclusion was delayed by about two months.

Test launches are expected to begin within 12 months, with deliveries anticipated by the end of 2027. Developing and bringing ballistic missiles into service typically takes more than a decade.

The programme has two aims: to provide Ukraine with the resources it needs to repel Russia's full-scale invasion and to strengthen Europe's defence capabilities as US support becomes less reliable.

The Nightfall project initially envisaged a range of more than 600 km, a warhead weighing 300 kg, and a cost of under £500,000 (US$674,000), excluding warhead, launcher, and development costs.

Following feedback from industry representatives, the requirements were scaled back to a 500km range, a 200kg warhead and a maximum cost of £800,000 (US$1 million) per missile.

The weapon must also be launchable from a range of vehicles capable of firing multiple missiles in rapid succession.

It must also be capable of operating in combat conditions under electronic jamming, while remaining simple enough to be produced at a rate of 10 systems a month with minimal reliance on externally controlled exports.

Background:

• On 13 July, ten European countries, including Ukraine, announced the creation of the Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition following its inaugural meeting in Paris. The coalition will work to strengthen Europe's anti-ballistic capabilities.
• European Pravda sources in Élysée Palace reported which Ukrainian and European manufacturers had been invited to the founding meeting of the Anti-Ballistic Coalition.

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