The Ministry of Defence has signed new contracts with Thales in
the UK to supply hundreds more Lightweight Multirole Missiles to
the Armed Forces – boosting UK stockpiles and strengthening the
protection of British personnel in the Middle East and beyond.
Deliveries will begin in the coming months and continue
throughout 2026, ensuring the Armed Forces remain equipped to
counter aerial threats.
The contracts support around 700 highly skilled jobs at Thales in
Belfast, where the missiles are designed and manufactured. This
Government is backing UK defence industry – supporting jobs while
boosting national security and resilience.
The latest contract, placed by the National Armaments Director
Group in May, follows an additional order for the battle-proven
Lightweight Multirole Missiles in April.
Lightweight Multirole Missiles have already proven highly
effective on operations. They have played a key role in defeating
drone attacks in the Middle East, with more than 100 drones shot
down using the missiles, including by RAF Regiment gunners using
the Rapid Sentry air defence kit.
Defence Secretary, MP, said:
Our UK defence industry is the backbone of our Armed Forces. This
is our new partnership with industry in action.
We're getting UK-built kit into the hands of our forces faster as
we support good skilled jobs and drive growth across the UK.
These interceptor missiles are battle-proven – successfully used
in action by our RAF sharp shooters over recent months.
With these LMMs, our dedicated Armed Forces will continue to keep
the UK and our partners more secure in the Middle East and
beyond.
The missiles are also deployed on Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters,
helping defend British people, bases, and allies from UK bases in
Cyprus.
This investment forms part of wider work by the Ministry of
Defence and National Armaments Director Group to increase
resilience in munitions supply chains and ensure the UK can
sustain operations alongside allies.
This year, the UK has stepped up its defensive presence across
the Middle East, with more than 1,000 personnel deployed across
the region, including fast jet squadrons and specialist
counter-drone teams protecting British people, bases, and allies.
