The United Kingdom has delivered several hundred air defense missiles to Ukraine nearly five months ahead of schedule, marking an accelerated contribution to Kyiv’s air defense efforts. The early delivery is part of a 1.6-billion-pound ($2.13 billion) agreement signed earlier this year for over 5,000 missiles produced by Thales at its Belfast facility.
Designated as Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) or Martlet, the laser-guided systems have been actively used by Ukrainian forces since the early stages of the war. Capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 1.5 and engaging targets beyond 6 kilometers, the LMM offers flexibility across multiple launch platforms — from land-based launchers to naval vessels and aircraft. Its precision targeting makes it highly effective against armored vehicles, installations, fast-attack craft, and drones.
The large-scale manufacturing program not only boosts Ukraine’s defense capabilities but also strengthens the UK’s domestic defense industry. The initiative is generating 200 new jobs while sustaining 700 existing positions within Thales and its supply chain. UK officials emphasized that accelerating production and delivery underscores London’s ongoing commitment to ensuring Ukraine’s air defenses remain robust amid persistent Russian drone and missile attacks.
Beyond the LMM deliveries, both nations are advancing collaborative defense projects such as the LYRA initiative, focusing on next-generation battlefield technologies like interceptor drones. Under Project OCTOPUS, the UK and Ukraine aim to produce thousands of such drones each month, enhancing Ukraine’s layered air defense network and accelerating innovation in counter-drone warfare.
