UK Launches ‘Nightfall’ Deep-Strike Missile Project to Strengthen Ukraine’s Long-Range Defence
London initiates development of a ground-launched ballistic missile with more than five hundred kilometre range to bolster Kyiv’s ability to target strategic threats amid ongoing conflict with Russia
The British government has announced a new defence initiative to support Ukraine by developing a specialised deep-strike ballistic missile capable of long-range engagements against high-value targets across the battlefield.
Under a programme named “Nightfall,” the United Kingdom will lead efforts to create ground-launched missiles designed to carry a roughly two hundred kilogramme warhead over distances exceeding five hundred kilometres, providing Ukraine with a potent capability to deter and counter Russian operational depth.
This decision marks a significant expansion of London’s military assistance to Kyiv as the conflict enters a new phase of strategic requirements.
Officials said a competition has been launched to accelerate development, inviting defence firms to propose designs and production plans that meet stringent performance, mobility and survivability criteria.
Nightfall missiles are intended to operate from mobile launch platforms, enabling Ukrainian forces to deliver rapid salvos and withdraw before adversaries can mount effective counter-fire.
The system is also being conceived to function in contested environments with heavy electromagnetic interference, reflecting battlefield realities on the Eastern European front.
The initiative underlines the UK’s commitment to sustained support for Ukraine’s self-defence by enhancing its long-range strike options alongside previously supplied systems, such as long-range drones and precision munitions.
British officials have framed Nightfall as part of a broader strategy to help Kyiv achieve parity or advantage in domains where Russian forces have traditionally excelled.
The Ministry of Defence has emphasised that the collaboration with industry will aim to balance capability, cost-effectiveness and rapid fielding.
As the project progresses, details on production timelines, platforms and allied contributions will be further refined, but the Nightfall programme represents a clear escalation in Western technological support for Ukraine’s defence efforts.
Under a programme named “Nightfall,” the United Kingdom will lead efforts to create ground-launched missiles designed to carry a roughly two hundred kilogramme warhead over distances exceeding five hundred kilometres, providing Ukraine with a potent capability to deter and counter Russian operational depth.
This decision marks a significant expansion of London’s military assistance to Kyiv as the conflict enters a new phase of strategic requirements.
Officials said a competition has been launched to accelerate development, inviting defence firms to propose designs and production plans that meet stringent performance, mobility and survivability criteria.
Nightfall missiles are intended to operate from mobile launch platforms, enabling Ukrainian forces to deliver rapid salvos and withdraw before adversaries can mount effective counter-fire.
The system is also being conceived to function in contested environments with heavy electromagnetic interference, reflecting battlefield realities on the Eastern European front.
The initiative underlines the UK’s commitment to sustained support for Ukraine’s self-defence by enhancing its long-range strike options alongside previously supplied systems, such as long-range drones and precision munitions.
British officials have framed Nightfall as part of a broader strategy to help Kyiv achieve parity or advantage in domains where Russian forces have traditionally excelled.
The Ministry of Defence has emphasised that the collaboration with industry will aim to balance capability, cost-effectiveness and rapid fielding.
As the project progresses, details on production timelines, platforms and allied contributions will be further refined, but the Nightfall programme represents a clear escalation in Western technological support for Ukraine’s defence efforts.
