The UK is preparing to develop a new generation of tactical ballistic missiles designed to significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike deep behind enemy lines,
as London steps up its military support against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Under a programme known as “Project Nightfall”, the British government has launched a competition to rapidly design and produce ground-launched ballistic missiles capable of travelling more than 500 kilometres and carrying a 200-kilogram conventional warhead. The system is intended to give Ukrainian forces a powerful, precision long-range weapon to counter Russian aggression.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the missiles will be built to operate in some of the most hostile battlefield environments, including areas saturated with electronic warfare and electromagnetic interference. They are expected to be launchable from multiple vehicle platforms, capable of firing several missiles in quick succession before relocating within minutes – a tactic designed to minimise vulnerability to Russian counter-strikes.
Officials say the Nightfall missile will combine speed, accuracy and affordability. Each missile is expected to cost no more than £800,000, with an initial production rate of up to 10 systems per month. The project is also structured to avoid complex foreign export controls, making it easier to deliver the weapons quickly to Ukraine.
The initiative builds on the UK’s growing focus on long-range strike support for Kyiv, following the delivery of thousands of deep-strike, one-way attack drones. While the immediate aim is to strengthen Ukraine’s defences, Nightfall will also feed into future long-range strike capabilities for the UK Armed Forces.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “The attacks overnight on Thursday just go to show how Putin thinks he can act with impunity, targeting civilian areas with advanced weaponry. Instead of seriously negotiating a peace, he’s seriously escalating his illegal war.
We were close enough to hear the air raid sirens around Lviv on our journey to Kyiv, it was a serious moment and a stark reminder of the barrage of drones and missiles hitting Ukrainians in sub-zero conditions.
We won’t stand for this, which is why we are determined to put leading edge weapons into the hands of Ukrainians as they fight back”.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said: “A secure Europe needs a strong Ukraine. These new long-range British missiles will keep Ukraine in the fight and give Putin another thing to worry about.
In 2026, we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. Providing equipment to keep them in the fight today, whilst working to secure the peace tomorrow”.
Under the plan, up to three industry teams will each receive £9 million development contracts. Each team will be required to design, develop and deliver three prototype missiles within 12 months for test firings. The programme places strong emphasis on rapid prototyping, resilience to electronic warfare and the ability to scale up manufacturing quickly within the UK.
Detailed requirements were shared with approved industry partners on 19 December 2025. Proposals must be submitted by 9 February 2026, with development contracts expected to be awarded in March 2026.
While Nightfall is primarily focused on supporting Ukraine, defence officials say it will also shape Britain’s own future long-range strike capabilities, reinforcing both national security and the UK’s defence industrial base.