The United Kingdom has announced that it is speeding up missile deliveries to Ukraine as part of a £1.6 billion defence package. The aim is to strengthen Kyiv’s ability to defend itself and protect its people as the Russia-Ukraine war continues into another harsh winter. The new deal includes long-range precision missiles, modern air defence systems, and other battlefield support equipment, showing that Britain is standing firmly with Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said that the fast-tracked deliveries were part of the UK’s promise to stand with Ukraine as long as needed. “These deliveries will bolster Ukraine’s ability to protect its people and reclaim sovereign territory,” he said. The UK has already been one of Ukraine’s strongest military supporters since the war began. It has sent Storm Shadow missiles and Challenger 2 tanks. It has also trained thousands of Ukrainian soldiers on British soil.
The latest deliveries include the Martlet Lightweight Multirole Missiles, also known as LMMs. Engineers designed these missiles to destroy drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft. These laser-guided, short-range air defence systems fill a crucial gap. They sit between shoulder-fired Stinger missiles and larger, medium-range systems like NASAMS or IRIS-T.
According to the UK’s Ministry of Defence, Thales in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has delivered hundreds of Martlet missiles to Ukraine. These arrived five months earlier than planned. The ministry said, “The latest phase of the £1.6 billion deal will enable those battle-winning missiles to integrate fully into Ukraine’s air defence network. This forms part of Ukraine’s own sovereign capabilities.”
Each missile weighs around 13 kilograms and travels at a speed of Mach 1.5. It can hit targets up to six kilometres away. Soldiers can launch the Martlet from the shoulder. They can also mount it on vehicles and ships. This gives Ukrainian forces flexible ways to respond to air attacks. Military experts say the missile’s accuracy and low risk of collateral damage make it ideal for certain roles. For example, it can counter Russian drones such as the Orlan-10 and Lancet. It can also target attack helicopters like the Ka-52.
The timing of the delivery is considered crucial. As winter approaches, Russia is expected to increase drone and missile strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy systems and cities. The early delivery of these air defence missiles will help Ukraine protect its skies and keep its energy infrastructure running.
The announcement was made during UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard’s trade mission to Kyiv. His visit took place alongside Ukraine’s International Defence Industry Conference. This event brought together hundreds of defence companies from NATO and allied nations.
Speaking in Kyiv, Pollard said, “The UK is stepping up our ironclad commitment to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s illegal invasion. Driving industrial partnerships is essential. We can learn from their expertise and together build the industrial base we need. This will help defend the UK, deter our adversaries, and support Ukraine.”
The production of Martlet missiles has also created economic benefits in the UK. Thales’ manufacturing site in Belfast has directly created around 200 new jobs. It has also supported 700 more across the British supply chain. The partnership does not just supply weapons. It also builds long-term industrial cooperation between the two countries.
Under the UK–Ukraine 100 Year Partnership, both countries are working on a joint industrial framework. This framework aims to help Ukraine develop its own defence production capacity. This includes joint ventures, co-production agreements, and technology sharing to reduce Ukraine’s dependence on foreign imports.
Ukraine’s largest drone manufacturer, UKRSpec Systems, has also announced a £200 million investment in new facilities in the United Kingdom. The project is expected to create around 500 high-skilled jobs. This cooperation builds on earlier programs such as Project OCTOPUS. That project focuses on developing low-cost interceptor drones. These drones counter Russian one-way attack drones.
Kevin Craven, CEO of the UK defence group ADS, said the trade mission showed something important. Both countries were serious about building long-term capacity.“This partnership represents the future of defence cooperation. It’s about increasing production capacity, building innovation, and creating a resilient industrial ecosystem for both our nations,” he said.
Minister Luke Pollard said, “Driving industrial partnerships is the best way to make sure Ukraine can stand strong, not just today, but for generations to come.”
