The United Kingdom has launched Project Nightfall, a fast-track programme to develop new long-range ballistic missiles for Ukraine, aiming to help Kyiv strike targets deep behind Russian lines.
According to a U.K. defence ministry handout, the ground-launched missiles could carry a 200-kilogram (440 lb) warhead over a range of more than 500 kilometres (310 miles). They are designed to be fired in rapid succession and then quickly relocated, allowing Ukrainian forces to hit high-value targets before Russian retaliation.
Defence Secretary John Healey disclosed details of the programme after a recent visit to Ukraine, during which he came close to a major Russian missile attack. He said the experience highlighted the need for Ukraine to combine strong air defences with the ability to strike back.
“You defend your cities by having layers of defence, and you partly defend by being able to attack,” he said.
During the visit, Russia fired an Oreshnik ballistic missile at western Ukraine, striking Lviv Oblast just 60km from the Polish border. A source said Mr Healey had a “close shave” near Lviv, where his train was forced to make an emergency stop as air raid sirens sounded.
“We were close enough to hear the air raid sirens,” Mr Healey said. “It was a serious moment and a stark reminder of the barrage of drones and missiles hitting Ukrainians in sub-zero conditions.”
Under Project Nightfall, Britain plans to award development contracts to three industry teams. Each will receive funding to produce initial missiles for test launches within a year, with a target production rate of up to ten missiles per month. The maximum unit cost is expected to be around $1.07m, with contracts due to be signed in March 2026.
UK defence officials say the programme is part of a broader effort to increase the cost of Russia’s war by enabling Ukraine to strike military and energy infrastructure, while easing pressure on its air defence systems.
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