The British government has announced a tender for the development of a new ground-based ballistic missile intended for the Ukrainian army. According to an official statement from the UK Ministry of Defence, the missile-designated Nightfall-is expected to carry a 200-kilogram warhead and strike targets at distances exceeding 500 kilometers.

The project envisions a production rate of up to 10 missiles per month, with the cost of each round reaching as much as £800,000, or roughly $1.1 million. London has made it clear that the initiative is part of its broader effort to expand military support for Kiev.

The head of the UK Ministry of Defence, John Healey, said Britain is determined to supply Ukraine with advanced weapons to sustain its resistance against Russian forces.

Under the plan, the British authorities intend to sign contracts with three industrial groups responsible for developing and manufacturing the missiles. Initial prototypes are expected to be ready for test launches within a year. The tender process is set to close on February 9, with contracts scheduled to be finalized in March 2026.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the Nightfall system is meant to provide Ukraine with a long-range strike capability described as both powerful and cost-effective, while facing minimal export restrictions. The missile is designed to be launched from multiple platforms capable of rapidly leaving the launch area, increasing survivability.

London’s move builds on existing deliveries of long-range Storm Shadow missiles to Kiev. In November 2024, Britain lifted restrictions on the use of such weapons for strikes on Russian territory. A year later, in November 2025, Western media reported that the UK was assisting Ukraine in conducting strikes against Russia and was actively urging its allies to expand intelligence support for Kiev.