“The United Kingdom will develop new tactical ballistic missiles that will increase Ukraine’s firepower and its ability to defend itself against putin’s war machine”, - the BBC quotes a government press release published on Sunday, January 11.
It is noted that this concerns ballistic missiles with a range of more than 500 km and a warhead weighing about 200 kg, the development of which under “Project Nightfall” the UK announced last year.
“Nightfall missiles will be able to be launched from a range of ground vehicles, rapidly fire several missiles in succession, and withdraw within minutes — allowing Ukrainian forces to strike key military targets before russian forces are able to respond”, - the statement says.
In December, the British Ministry of Defence announced a competition for the development and creation of the first prototypes of this weapon.
Applications are accepted until early February, after which in March three selected companies will receive £9 million each to produce test-ready missiles within a year.
The UK then expects to produce 10 missiles per month, with the cost of each, according to the plans, not exceeding £800,000 ($1,072,000 at the current exchange rate), the statement notes.