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.
Britain says European security depends on a resilient Ukraine capable of sustaining long-range operations as the conflict continues.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran it could face devastating strikes within hours unless it agrees to a ceasefire by Tuesday night, escalating...
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday told reporters that Iran could be taken out in one night, "and that nig...
The crew of Artemis II mission are entering a pivotal phase of their journey, as they prepare to swing around the Moon and head back t...
Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York has warned that U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to attack civilian infr...
Iran has rejected a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, insisting any agreement must deliver a permanent end to the wa...
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran it could face devastating strikes within hours unless it agrees to a ceasefire by Tuesday night, escalating tensions with Tehran.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday told reporters that Iran could be taken out in one night, "and that night might be tomorrow night," warning Tehran it had to make a deal by Tuesday night or face wider bombing raids.
The crew of Artemis II mission are entering a pivotal phase of their journey, as they prepare to swing around the Moon and head back towards Earth. Now on the fifth day of their 10-day mission, the four astronauts are already witnessing views no human has ever seen.
The shifting international landscape from a rigid, Western-oriented world order to a more flexible one has contributed to the rise of numerous countries, especially from the Global South to the status of emerging middle powers.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday told reporters that Iran could be taken out in one night, "and that night might be tomorrow night," warning Tehran it had to make a deal by Tuesday night or face wider bombing raids.
The crew of Artemis II mission are entering a pivotal phase of their journey, as they prepare to swing around the Moon and head back towards Earth. Now on the fifth day of their 10-day mission, the four astronauts are already witnessing views no human has ever seen.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran's energy and transport infrastructure in a social media post containing expletives on Sunday (5 April), as he seperately gave Iran a deadline of Tuesday to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
A new proposal to end hostilities between the United States and Iran could come into effect as soon as Monday, potentially reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz, a source familiar with the plan said on Monday.
Oil prices rose sharply on Monday as fears deepened over potential supply shortages caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, unsettling global energy markets and the row over the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns for consumers and businesses alike.
As Hungary approaches a crucial vote, younger citizens who grew up under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are increasingly backing the opposition, with some saying they may leave if he secures another term.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged EU prosecutors to speed up their probe into politicians from his party who are under investigation for fraud. The EU has asked to investigate 11 conservative MPs who are currently protected by parliamentary immunity.
In a move highlighting growing friction between global trade and digital retail, China on Monday issued new guidance for its rapidly expanding e-commerce sector.
North Korea's test of a solid-fuel rocket engine is intended for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) built with carbon fibre to extend range and allow for delivery of heavier and possibly multiple warheads, South Korean lawmakers said on Monday.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called an emergency defence council on Sunday (5 April) after powerful explosives were discovered near a pipeline in Serbia that carries Russian gas to Hungary.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment