Politics UK develops ballistic missile for Ukraine
The UK wants to quickly develop a short-range ballistic missile for Ukraine.
12.01.2026, 12:59
SDA
The project, called Nightfall, is to deliver the first prototypes within a year of being awarded the contract, the Ministry of Defense in London announced.
With a range of more than 500 kilometers and a load capacity of 200 kilograms of high-explosive conventional warheads, the missiles are intended to give the Ukrainian military the ability to strike important military targets quickly.
Response to the deployment of Oreshnik
According to British Defense Secretary John Healey, the announcement is also a response to Russia's use of the Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile against civilian infrastructure last week. Russian President Vladimir Putin believes he can attack civilian targets with sophisticated weapons with impunity, Healey said in the statement. "We will not tolerate this. That is why we are determined to provide the Ukrainians with the most advanced weapons to defend themselves."
"The Nightfall missiles will be capable of being launched from a variety of different vehicles, firing multiple missiles in rapid succession and withdrawing within minutes - allowing Ukrainian forces to strike key military targets before Russian forces can respond," the press release continued. To this end, development contracts worth nine million pounds (around 10.4 million euros) each are to be awarded to three different teams.
With a planned production rate of ten systems per month and a maximum price of 800,000 pounds (approx. 859,000 Swiss francs) per unit, Nightfall should be a low-cost option with minimal export controls.
Compared to cruise missiles, ballistic missiles are difficult to intercept due to their high speed and steep trajectory.
