The UK has committed to supplying 650 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) to Ukraine, part of a £162 million contract aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s air defence
capabilities. This initiative aligns with the new government’s ongoing support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP will announce the package at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) meeting at the US Air Force Base in Ramstein, marking his first appearance as Defence Secretary at the forum. During the 24th meeting of the group, Healey will reaffirm the UK's steadfast commitment to Ukraine and call on allies to continue providing critical military equipment.
Earlier this week, Healey met with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, in London, where they discussed increasing UK support in the coming months. Healey confirmed that £300 million worth of artillery ammunition will begin delivery by the end of this year to aid Ukraine’s war efforts. In line with the new government’s emphasis on expediting aid, the first batch of LMM missiles is also expected to be delivered by the end of 2023.
Today's air defence package is part of a broader effort to bolster UK and European defence production. The £162 million order is set to enhance the supply chain for future defence needs. Built by Thales at their factory in Belfast, the LMM missiles are versatile and can be deployed from various platforms, including land, sea, and air.
The funding for the package primarily comes from the UK’s £3 billion annual financial commitment to Ukraine, with additional contributions from Norway through the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU). The package follows pledges from the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary to stand by Ukraine for as long as needed.
The announcement follows a Defence Export Support Treaty signed in July between the UK and Ukraine, during President Zelenskyy's visit to London. The agreement aims to boost both nations' defence industries and ramp up production of military hardware. It also allows Ukraine access to £3.5 billion in export finance to aid its war efforts.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:
“This new commitment will give an important boost to Ukraine’s air defences and demonstrates our new government’s commitment to stepping up support for Ukraine.
In recent days we have seen the tragic cost of Russia’s indiscriminate strikes on Poltava and Lviv. These new UK-made missiles will support Ukraine to defend its people, infrastructure, and territory from Putin’s brutal attacks.
With our international partners today, we will show that we are united for Ukraine. And we will discuss how best we can work together to improve support. Because the security of the UK and Europe starts in Ukraine”.
Ahead of the UDCG meeting, Healey visited the Joint Intelligence Coordination Centre (JICC) at Ramstein Air Base, where UK Armed Forces personnel collaborate with allies to analyse intelligence.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UK has supplied hundreds of LMM missiles, which have successfully destroyed numerous Russian drones and air threats. The LMM, with a speed of Mach 1.5 and a range of over 6km, is effective against a variety of targets, including Armoured Personnel Carriers, fast attack craft, and unmanned drones.
This new contract with Thales will further enhance the UK's defence industry, enabling increased production rates for future needs. In his address to allies at the UCDG, Healey will reaffirm the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine and the ongoing delivery of critical military equipment.