The Thales facility in Belfast is set to play a crucial role in supporting Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Russia, following a monumental deal announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The contract, valued at up to £1.6 billion, outlines the production and supply of 5,000 lightweight multirole missiles (LMMs) to the Ukrainian forces. This announcement comes as part of a broader strategy aimed at both achieving peace and bolstering defenses for Ukraine.
This fresh order considerably expands upon a previous £162 million contract, which saw the supply of 650 LMMs to Ukraine commence in December last year. The new deal is initially valued at £1.16 billion but may reach an additional £500 million, allowing for collaboration with local Ukrainian firms to manufacture vital components like launchers and command and control vehicles.
The Defence Secretary John Healey commented on the deal, stating it will significantly aid in fortifying Ukraine against potential drone and missile threats, while also acting as a deterrent against any future aggression from Russia. The deal stands as the largest contract ever awarded to Thales in Belfast, reflecting the critical role that the factory is poised to play in the war effort.
This contract was placed by the UK's Ministry of Defence’s procurement branch, Defence Equipment & Support, on behalf of the Ukrainian government. Funding for the project will be facilitated by a loan backed by UK Export Finance (UKEF), which has previously allocated £3.5 billion in support for Ukraine to procure services and goods from UK-based industries. The scale and significance of this deal underscore the UK's ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine amid a challenging geopolitical landscape.
