UK signs £1.6 billion deal to supply Ukraine with 5,000 air defence missiles
The UK has signed a £1.6 billion deal to supply more than 5,000 air defence missiles to Ukraine using export finance.
Sir Keir Starmer said on Sunday that the lightweight-multirole missiles (LMM) will be made in Northern Ireland, creating 200 jobs.
He added: “This will be vital for protecting critical infrastructure now and strengthen Ukraine in securing the peace when it comes because we have to learn from the mistakes of the past.”
Northern Ireland
The missiles, which are capable of flying at 1.5 times the speed of sound and striking targets over 6km away, can be used to attack enemy vehicles, boats and drones.
They will be manufactured at the Thales weapons plant in Belfast.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “This new support will help protect Ukraine against drone and missile attacks but it will also help deter further Russian aggression following any end to the fighting.
“This new deal delivers on the UK’s ironclad commitment to step up military support for Ukraine whilst boosting jobs and growth at home.”
The contract will be funded by a loan underwritten by United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF).
In September, the Government announced a £162 million deal to send 650 LMMs to Ukraine.
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There is a wailing list for everything in this country, 3 years…
If only they had some qualifications for these roles they give each other…
5 eyes and a man from Cork in No10’s driving seat…
There’s a hole in your bucket dear Clark
Presumably all 5,000 missiles will be carbon neutral.
Does that pay for the soldiers?
Dark days ahead!
Drone fodder, they always prepare for the previous war…
Thales is a French company, was this Macrons share of the double act.
We are being taken into war by stealth and it will not be the children of the Starmer’s of the UK who will be sent as cannon fodder. I would prefer it if the government were planning to meet with Putin to bring him into the fold. To secure a deal for peace.