Belfast Arms Factory Seals £1.6 Billion Missile Deal to Aid Ukraine

In a historic move, the Thales missile factory in Belfast will deliver 5,000 lightweight multirole missiles (LMMs) to Ukraine in a deal valued at up to £1.6 billion, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer disclosed. This significant arrangement, which is the largest-ever contract for Thales in Belfast, will not only ramp up defense efforts in Ukraine but also create approximately 200 new jobs within the factory.

The latest order expands upon a previous contract signed in September of last year for 650 LMMs, enhancing the manufacturing capabilities for Ukrainian forces already employing these multi-role missiles. The new contract includes an initial commitment of £1.16 billion with the possibility of an additional £500 million through collaboration with a local partner in Ukraine. This will enable the manufacturing of missile launchers and command vehicles directly within the country.

Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the importance of this deal in bolstering Ukraine's defenses against imminent threats, particularly from drones and missiles, contributing to the deterrence of further Russian aggression post-conflict. The contract has been facilitated through the UK Ministry of Defence's procurement body, with funding sourced from a loan underwritten by United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF). This deal is poised to reinforce both the strategic alliances between the UK and Ukraine and significantly enhance the operational capacity of Ukraine's armed forces.

BelfastWar in UkraineUK defence spendingNorthern IrelandMinistry of DefenceUkraine