The Thales missile factory in Belfast lands a significant order for 5,000 missiles, marking a crucial step in enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities against ongoing aggression.
Belfast Missile Factory Secures Major Contract to Supply Ukraine

Belfast Missile Factory Secures Major Contract to Supply Ukraine
UK Prime Minister Announces £1.6bn Deal for Air Defence Missiles Amid Ongoing Conflict
The Thales missile manufacturing facility in Belfast has secured a significant government contract to supply Ukraine with 5,000 air defense missiles, as announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. This contract, which could amount to as much as £1.6 billion, is anticipated to create around 200 new jobs in Northern Ireland.
Thales, a prominent French defense contractor and one of the largest arms manufacturers in Europe, will deliver lightweight multirole missiles (LMMs) that have already been integrated into the Ukrainian arsenal. This latest deal follows a previous contract signed in September, where the UK supplied 650 LMMs intended to scale up production capacity, with initial deliveries beginning in December.
Prime Minister Starmer revealed the new order while outlining a four-point plan focused on achieving peace and bolstering Ukraine's defenses. The initial value of the contract stands at £1.16 billion, with the potential for an additional £500 million in subsequent work through collaboration with a Ukrainian industrial partner, which is expected to manufacture launchers and command and control systems locally.
The UK Ministry of Defence highlighted that this contract represents the largest award ever received by Thales in Belfast. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that this initiative will enhance Ukraine’s protection against drone strikes and missile threats and serve as a deterrent to further Russian advances post-conflict.
The Ministry of Defence's procurement arm, Defence Equipment & Support, placed this contract on behalf of the Ukrainian government, with funding provided via a loan insured by UK Export Finance (UKEF) based on arrangements made last year, which granted Ukraine access to £3.5 billion worth of support to procure from British industries.