UK announces £1.6bn missile deal

Following the European Leaders Summit in London, Sir Keir Starmer announced a £1.6 billion missile deal for Ukraine. This agreement is designed to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities and bring a more lasting peace to the country.

The British Prime Minister also announced that "some" allies, including French President Macron, have signed a "coalition of the willing," prepared to send troops to the front lines in Ukraine, should a peace agreement be reached. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy also attended the meeting, joining 17 European leaders and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau in discussing the next steps to secure peace for Ukraine.

Prior to the summit at Lancaster House in London, US President Trump held a televised news conference at the White House, where he stated that Zelenskyy was not grateful enough for US support. In response, Sir Keir Starmer said: "My support for Ukraine is unwavering." He added that he felt a personal responsibility to end Russia's illegal war and to guarantee Ukraine "a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security."

Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that national security is intrinsically linked to economic security. "While boosting Ukraine's air defenses, this loan will also benefit working people in Britain, boosting our economy and supporting jobs in Northern Ireland and beyond." He added: "By doubling down on support, working closely with key partners, and ensuring Ukraine has a strong voice at the negotiating table, I believe we can secure a strong and lasting agreement that delivers permanent peace for Ukraine."

The agreement will allow Ukraine to use £1.6 billion in export financing to purchase over 5,000 air defense missiles, which will be produced in Belfast. The Ministry of Defence stated that the deal will also create 200 jobs in Northern Ireland and directly support 700 jobs in other parts of the UK. The production of these Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) will triple the output of Thales' factory in Belfast, designed to defend against Russian drone and missile attacks. Ukrainian forces are already using LMMs, with initial orders delivered at the end of last year.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated that Britain is at a critical moment for the future of Ukraine and the security of the whole of Europe. "This new support will help protect Ukraine from drone and missile attacks, but also help deter further Russian aggression after the fighting ends." He added: "This new agreement delivers on the UK's unwavering commitment to bolster military support for Ukraine, while also boosting jobs and growth at home."

The missile deal is part of a series of "major projects" for Ukraine being delivered by the MOD's Hirst Taskforce, which aims to build long-term relationships with Ukrainian industry to restore and modernize their defense industrial base. Andy Start, Director General of DE&S, described the move as a "critical next step" for the taskforce. He stated: "UK Defence Industry has supported Ukraine from the start of the war, and this significant contract highlights the industry’s ability to rapidly scale up production to deliver the world-class defence equipment Ukraine needs. The significant increase in LMM production will benefit Ukraine’s fight tonight, as well as the UK’s long-term security."