The Thales missile manufacturing facility in Belfast has secured an order to supply 5,000 lightweight multirole missiles (LMMs) to Ukraine, anticipated to generate a total value of £1.6 billion. This initiative will also create approximately 200 new jobs at the facility. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as part of a broader strategy to bolster military support for Ukraine while pursuing diplomatic efforts for resolution. The LMMs are already in active use by Ukrainian forces and were initially part of a smaller £162 million order for 650 missiles made last September. The new contract, valued at £1.16 billion initially, allows for an additional £500 million for further collaboration with a Ukrainian industry partner, which will focus on manufacturing missile launchers and command control vehicles locally. Notably, this contract represents the largest order ever received by Thales in Belfast, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that it would strengthen Ukraine's defenses against ongoing threats and Russian aggression. Funded through a loan arranged by UK Export Finance, the contract aligns with UK's commitments to support Ukraine amid escalating tensions in the region.
Belfast Factory to Deliver 5,000 Missiles to Ukraine Under Major Defense Contract

Belfast Factory to Deliver 5,000 Missiles to Ukraine Under Major Defense Contract
A significant contract announced by the Prime Minister will see Thales' Belfast factory supply a large quantity of air defense missiles to Ukraine, enhancing their military capabilities.
Belfast Factory to Deliver 5,000 Missiles to Ukraine Under Major Defense Contract
A significant contract announced by the Prime Minister will see Thales' Belfast factory supply a large quantity of air defense missiles to Ukraine, enhancing their military capabilities.
The Thales missile manufacturing facility in Belfast has secured an order to supply 5,000 lightweight multirole missiles (LMMs) to Ukraine, anticipated to generate a total value of £1.6 billion. This initiative will also create approximately 200 new jobs at the facility. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as part of a broader strategy to bolster military support for Ukraine while pursuing diplomatic efforts for resolution. The LMMs are already in active use by Ukrainian forces and were initially part of a smaller £162 million order for 650 missiles made last September. The new contract, valued at £1.16 billion initially, allows for an additional £500 million for further collaboration with a Ukrainian industry partner, which will focus on manufacturing missile launchers and command control vehicles locally. Notably, this contract represents the largest order ever received by Thales in Belfast, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that it would strengthen Ukraine's defenses against ongoing threats and Russian aggression. Funded through a loan arranged by UK Export Finance, the contract aligns with UK's commitments to support Ukraine amid escalating tensions in the region.
A significant contract announced by the Prime Minister will see Thales' Belfast factory supply a large quantity of air defense missiles to Ukraine, enhancing their military capabilities.
The Thales missile manufacturing facility in Belfast has secured an order to supply 5,000 lightweight multirole missiles (LMMs) to Ukraine, anticipated to generate a total value of £1.6 billion. This initiative will also create approximately 200 new jobs at the facility. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as part of a broader strategy to bolster military support for Ukraine while pursuing diplomatic efforts for resolution. The LMMs are already in active use by Ukrainian forces and were initially part of a smaller £162 million order for 650 missiles made last September. The new contract, valued at £1.16 billion initially, allows for an additional £500 million for further collaboration with a Ukrainian industry partner, which will focus on manufacturing missile launchers and command control vehicles locally. Notably, this contract represents the largest order ever received by Thales in Belfast, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that it would strengthen Ukraine's defenses against ongoing threats and Russian aggression. Funded through a loan arranged by UK Export Finance, the contract aligns with UK's commitments to support Ukraine amid escalating tensions in the region.