The UK government has awarded £36 million in new contracts to defence manufacturer Thales to supply hundreds of additional Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), bolstering British air
defence stockpiles and strengthening protection for UK personnel deployed in the Middle East.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) said deliveries of the UK-made missiles will begin in the coming months and continue throughout 2026, helping ensure the Armed Forces remain equipped to counter emerging aerial threats, including drones.
The contracts, announced by the MOD and placed through the National Armaments Director Group, follow a separate order for additional LMMs placed in April. The latest agreement was signed in May as part of a wider effort to improve the resilience of Britain’s munitions supply chains and sustain military operations alongside allies.
Manufactured by Thales in Belfast, the missiles support around 700 highly skilled jobs in Northern Ireland. Ministers said the investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening the domestic defence industry while enhancing national security.
The Lightweight Multirole Missile has already been used extensively on operations. According to the MOD, more than 100 drones have been destroyed using the system in the Middle East, including engagements carried out by RAF Regiment personnel operating the Rapid Sentry air defence system.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the contracts reflected a closer partnership between government and industry, enabling British-built equipment to reach frontline forces more quickly.
“These interceptor missiles are battle-proven and have been successfully used in action by our RAF personnel in recent months,” Healey said. “With these LMMs, our Armed Forces will continue to keep the UK and our partners more secure in the Middle East and beyond.”
The missiles are also deployed aboard Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters and are used to protect British forces, military bases and allied assets, including those operating from UK facilities in Cyprus.
The announcement comes as Britain maintains an increased military presence across the Middle East. More than 1,000 UK personnel are currently deployed in the region, supported by fast jet squadrons and specialist counter-drone teams tasked with defending British interests and allies against growing security threats. Photo: Sgt Andy Malthouse RAF/MOD, Wikimedia commons.
