The United Kingdom plans to develop a new long-range ballistic missile for Ukraine, known as Nightfall, to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities in its war against Russia, Reuters reported, citing a statement from the British government.
“Under the project, named Nightfall, the British government said it has launched a competition to rapidly develop ground-launched ballistic missiles that could carry a 200 kilograms (440 pounds) warhead over a range of more than 500 kilometers (310 miles),” Reuters said.
The information was also confirmed by UK Defence Secretary John Healey in comments to the London-based The Sun.
According to the newspaper, Healey said the new missile is being designed specifically with Ukraine’s operational needs in mind.
Nightfall is expected to be launched from mobile, vehicle-based platforms, allowing for rapid deployment and greater maneuverability. Based on the missile’s projected range, the outlet noted that it could potentially strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow, if launched from Ukraine.
British defense companies are being offered a 9 million-pound ($12 million) contract under the initiative, which includes the design, development, and delivery of the first three missiles for test launches.
Ukraine’s Ukrainska Pravda also reported that the missile’s range could potentially allow it to reach targets in Moscow.
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