JAKARTA - The British government in a statement on the Ministry of Defense website revealed plans to develop new tactical ballistic missiles that will increase Ukraine's firepower, to defend itself from Russian attacks.
Under the Nightfall Project, the new ballistic missile is expected to be launched quickly from land, have a range of more than 500 kilometers, with a conventional high explosive warhead weighing 200 kg, designed to operate in high-risk battlefields with heavy electromagnetic interference.
The missile is designed to be launched from a variety of ground vehicles in rapid succession, before retreating within minutes, allowing Ukrainian forces to attack and evade before Russia responds.
"The Nightfall project is built on the UK's unwavering commitment to Ukraine, particularly its long-range capabilities, through the provision of thousands of long-range, one-way attack drones," the ministry's announcement read, as quoted (12/1).
The announcement follows a recent visit to Ukraine by British Defense Secretary John Healey, which coincided with Russia's massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv and other cities on January 8-9.
During the attack, Russia launched an Oreshnik ballistic missile into western Ukraine, just 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the Polish border, The Kyiv Independent reported.
"The attack on Thursday night shows how (Russian President Vladimir) Putin thinks he can act with impunity, targeting civilian areas with sophisticated weaponry," said Secretary of Defense Healey.
"Instead of seriously negotiating peace, he is escalating his illegal war," he continued.
"We were close enough to hear air raid sirens around Lviv on our way to Kyiv, it was a serious moment and a clear reminder of the drone and missile barrage that hit Ukrainian civilians in sub-zero temperatures," he said.
"We will not tolerate this, which is why we are determined to provide advanced weapons to the Ukrainian people as they fight," he said in a ministry statement.
The British Minister of Defense and Industry Preparedness, Luke Pollard, said, "A secure Europe needs a strong Ukraine. These new British long-range missiles will keep Ukraine fighting and give (President) Putin one more thing to worry about."
"In 2026, we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. Providing equipment to keep them fighting today, while working to secure peace in the future," he said.
The project aims to see the three industry teams each awarded a £9m development contract to design, develop and deliver their first three missiles within 12 months for firing trials.
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Nightfall is a project focused on rapid prototyping, spiral development, resilience to electronic warfare, and the ability to rapidly scale manufacturing, particularly in the UK.
Although intended to support Ukraine, Nightfall will also provide information for future British Armed Forces long-range strike projects.
Detailed Nightfall requirements were shared with Industry Partners on December 19, 2025 who have signed the required confidentiality and security agreements. The deadline for receiving Nightfall development proposals is February 9, 2026, with the development contract targeted to be awarded in March 2026.
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