Britain to develop first Nightfall ballistic missiles for Ukraine: what makes them special
12 January 01:05
The United Kingdom has confirmed plans to develop and transfer Nightfall ballistic missiles to Ukraine. This missile carries a 200-kilogram warhead and is capable of hitting targets up to 500 kilometers from the launch site.
This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the Daily Mail and The Sun.
It is noted that the UK Ministry of Defense is currently looking for British companies to design, develop, and supply the first three missiles. The contract is worth £9 million.
During a recent visit to Kyiv, British Defense Minister John Gilli confirmed plans to develop and transfer Nightfall ballistic missiles to Ukraine, which in the future could reach Moscow from Ukrainian territory. According to him, Ukraine should be able not only to defend itself against attacks by the Russian Federation, but also to strike back.
Gillie recalled how his train was forced to make an emergency stop due to an attack by Russian missiles and drones on the night of January 9. Four people in Kyiv were killed in the Russian missile strike.
“It was a serious moment and a stark reminder of the barrage of drones and missiles that attacked Ukrainians in sub-zero temperatures. We will not tolerate this and intend to provide Ukrainians with advanced weapons with which they can resist,” Gilli said.
Nightfall missiles: what is known about the British project
Britain’s plans to develop Nightfall ballistic missiles first became known in mid-2025. Even then, the British government began searching for companies capable of providing a design and the first missiles for testing within 9 to 12 months. At the same time, the military had a list of requirements for the new missile:
- Minimum flight range – 600 km;
- Minimum payload – 300 kg;
- Platform – mobile launcher with at least two missiles ready for launch;
- Rocket preparation time – 10 minutes, rocket launch time – 15 minutes, launch pad dismantling – 5 minutes;
- Rocket cost – no more than £500,000;
- Separately – the developer’s ability to ensure the production of at least 10 rockets per month.
In December 2025, the British state media resource BidStars published an official tender for the development of a missile. The tender stated that Britain wanted to quickly obtain a missile with a range of over 500 km and a warhead weight of at least 200 kg.
