Britain has unveiled Project Nightfall, a program focused on developing ground-launched tactical ballistic missiles for Ukraine to enhance the country’s long-range strike capabilities against Russian targets.
The proposed missile system will be capable of delivering a 200-kilogram high-explosive warhead to targets more than 500 kilometers away, while remaining effective in contested environments subject to heavy electronic warfare and electromagnetic disruption.
Designed for mobility and rapid employment, Nightfall will be able to launch from a range of vehicle platforms, fire multiple missiles in quick succession, and relocate within minutes, enabling Ukrainian forces to conduct precision strikes and evade counterattacks, the Ministry of Defence said.
The program prioritizes rapid development and scalable production, targeting an initial output of up to 10 missiles per month and a unit cost not exceeding £800,000 ($1.07 million).
Project Nightfall expands ongoing allied support for Ukraine, complementing deep-strike drone capabilities and helping shape future long-range strike requirements for the UK’s own armed forces.
Three competing industry teams will each be awarded £9 million ($12.1 million) contracts to design, develop, and deliver three missiles within a 12-month timeframe for initial testing.
Technical requirements were shared with selected companies last month, with proposals due by February 9 and contract awards anticipated in March.
Since the start of the war in 2022, the UK has been among Ukraine’s largest defense supporters, committing billions of pounds in military and financial assistance. The government has pledged £3 billion ($4 billion) annually to Ukraine for the long term, alongside broader financial support and defense cooperation initiatives.
In parallel, the two countries are deepening collaboration on joint defense manufacturing and technology programs, including cooperative efforts in drone production.
