UK to Develop New Ballistic Missile, Ready to Supply to Ukraine

Moscow (ANTARA) - Britain will develop a new ballistic missile and supply it to Ukraine in 2027, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing statements from several sources familiar with the matter.

The report said Britain has signed contracts with several companies to develop its first ballistic missile in more than five decades.

The project is targeted for completion by the end of next year.

According to Bloomberg’s sources, the UK Ministry of Defence has adjusted the technical specifications of the new missile to accelerate the development process, so that the weapon can be delivered to Ukraine in 2027.

The weapons development programme has been given the codename Nightfall.

Bloomberg reported that missile trials will begin within the next 12 months, while deliveries are scheduled to take place in late 2027.

Following negotiations with defence industry representatives, the ministry adjusted the missile’s parameters to a range of 500 kilometres, a warhead weight of 200 kilograms, and a target maximum cost of £800,000 (approximately Rp19.42 billion) per missile.

In addition, Nightfall is designed to be launched from various types of vehicles, capable of firing several missiles in succession, and to remain effectively operational under conditions of electronic interference.

Meanwhile, Russia has repeatedly stated that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder efforts to resolve the conflict and draw NATO allies into direct involvement.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov asserted that every shipment containing weapons supplies for Ukraine will be a legitimate target for the Russian military.

Source: Sputnik/RIA Novosti