UK to develop new missile for Ukraine

Land January 14, 2026

The UK Ministry of Defence has initiated a rapid development programme, designated Project Nightfall, to produce a new tactical ballistic missile aimed at significantly enhancing long-range strike capabilities.

Announced this week, the project seeks to deliver a ground-launched system capable of carrying a 200kg conventional high-explosive warhead over a range exceeding 500 kilometres. This initiative is designed to provide a cost-effective, high-precision solution capable of operating within high-threat environments characterised by heavy electromagnetic interference. For the UK defence supply chain, the project marks a shift toward rapid prototyping and sovereign manufacturing, with a clear focus on scaling production within domestic facilities.

Project Nightfall represents a substantial commercial opportunity for prime contractors and sub-contractors specialising in missile technology, propulsion, and electronic warfare. The Ministry of Defence plans to award three industry teams development contracts valued at £9 million each. These teams will be responsible for the design and delivery of three initial missiles for test firings within a 12-month window. A key requirement of the programme is the ability to sustain a production rate of 10 systems per month, with a target unit cost of approximately £800,000 per missile. By specifying minimal foreign export controls, the government is prioritising the development of UK-based intellectual property, which offers long-term stability and autonomy for domestic suppliers.

The project’s operational requirements emphasise versatility and survivability. The missiles must be launchable from a variety of vehicles, enabling forces to fire multiple rounds and withdraw within minutes to avoid counter-battery fire. Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, stated that the project is central to securing both a strong Ukraine and a resilient British defence industrial base. Furthermore, the technological advancements achieved through Nightfall are intended to directly inform the UK Armed Forces’ own future deep-strike requirements, ensuring that the innovation funded today has a direct application to national defence procurement in the years to follow.

Detailed technical specifications were disseminated to industry partners who had completed the necessary security clearances on 19 December 2025. The Ministry has set a deadline of 9 February 2026 for the receipt of development proposals, with the objective of awarding contracts in March 2026. This aggressive timeline underscores the Ministry’s commitment to “spiral development”—an iterative approach that allows for the continuous improvement of capabilities while maintaining rapid delivery schedules. For businesses looking to grow within the sector, Project Nightfall serves as a critical example of the government’s intent to merge urgent operational requirements with sustainable, high-tech industrial growth within the UK.

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