The Ministry of Defence has secured new contracts with Thales UK to procure hundreds of additional Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM). This move is designed to bolster UK stockpiles and enhance the protection of British personnel operating in the Middle East and other global theaters.
Deliveries are scheduled to commence in the coming months and will continue through 2026, ensuring the Armed Forces maintain a robust capability to neutralize evolving aerial threats.
The agreement supports approximately 700 high-skilled positions at the Thales facility in Belfast, where the missiles are developed and produced. This initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to the UK defence industrial base, simultaneously driving economic growth and strengthening national security resilience.
Placed by the National Armaments Director Group in May, this latest contract follows a previous order for the combat-proven LMMs issued in April.
The Lightweight Multirole Missile has already demonstrated significant operational success. It has been instrumental in countering drone threats in the Middle East, with over 100 unmanned aerial vehicles destroyed, including successful engagements by RAF Regiment gunners utilizing the Rapid Sentry air defence system.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP stated:
Our UK defence industry serves as the backbone of our Armed Forces, and this agreement exemplifies our new partnership with industry in action.
We are accelerating the delivery of UK-built equipment to our forces while supporting skilled employment and driving growth across the country. These interceptor missiles are battle-proven, having been used successfully by our RAF personnel in recent months.
Through the deployment of these LMMs, our Armed Forces will continue to ensure the security of the UK and our international partners in the Middle East and beyond.
In addition to ground-based use, the missiles are integrated into Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters, providing essential protection for British personnel, installations, and allies operating from bases in Cyprus.
This investment is part of a broader strategic effort by the Ministry of Defence and the National Armaments Director Group to improve munitions supply chain resilience, ensuring the UK can sustain prolonged operations alongside its allies.
The UK has recently increased its defensive posture in the Middle East, deploying over 1,000 personnel to the region, including fast jet squadrons and specialized counter-drone units tasked with safeguarding British interests and partner security.