The United Kingdom has announced a major new initiative to arm Ukraine with advanced, long-range ballistic missiles, directly responding to recent Russian attacks using hypersonic weaponry.
Project Nightfall: A Rapid Development Challenge
In a significant escalation of military support, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched Project Nightfall, a competition to rapidly develop a new ground-launched tactical ballistic missile for Ukrainian forces. The announcement was made late on Sunday, 11 January 2026.
The new missile system is designed to have a range of more than 500 kilometres and is intended to operate effectively in complex, high-threat battlefields where heavy electromagnetic interference is present. Each Nightfall missile will carry a 200kg conventional high-explosive warhead.
Capabilities and Strategic Impact
The MoD stated that the Nightfall missiles will cost a maximum of £800,000 per unit, with plans to produce ten systems every month. A key tactical advantage is their launch flexibility; they can be fired from a variety of vehicles, unleash multiple missiles in quick succession, and allow the launch vehicle to withdraw from the area within minutes.
This capability is intended to let Ukrainian forces hit critical military targets deep inside Russian territory before Moscow can mount an effective response. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasised the UK's determination, stating the nation was committed to putting "leading-edge weapons into the hands of Ukrainians" as they continue their fight.
Context and Political Statements
The project's unveiling comes just days after Russia struck a Ukrainian city approximately 60 miles from the Polish border with its new hypersonic Oreshnik missile. European leaders condemned this as a "clear escalation".
Referring to that attack, Mr Healey said, "The attacks overnight on Thursday just go to show how Putin thinks he can act with impunity, targeting civilian areas with advanced weaponry. Instead of seriously negotiating a peace, he’s seriously escalating his illegal war." He added a personal note, recalling that while travelling to Kyiv last week, he was close enough to hear air raid sirens around Lviv, calling it a "stark reminder" of the ongoing barrage.
Luke Pollard, the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said the new British missiles "will keep Ukraine in the fight" and give Russia "another thing to worry about". He reaffirmed that in 2026, the UK would "continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine".
Industry Involvement and Future Legacy
The development contract will be awarded to three separate industry teams. Each will receive a £9 million development contract to design, develop, and deliver their first three missiles within a 12-month timeframe for test firings.
According to the MoD, Project Nightfall not only builds on the UK's commitment to bolster Kyiv's long-range strike capabilities but will also inform future weapons projects for Britain's own armed forces, ensuring technological and tactical lessons are integrated into national defence planning.
