Camilla Jessen
A new British defense initiative signals a major military escalation.
The United Kingdom has launched Project Nightfall, a fast-track competition to develop new long-range ballistic missiles intended for use by Ukraine, according to a U.K. Defense Ministry handout seen by the Kyiv Independent.
The project was announced days after a large-scale Russian missile and drone assault on Ukrainian cities on Jan. 8–9, which included the launch of an Oreshnik ballistic missile toward western Ukraine, close to the Polish border.
A visit under fire
The Russian strike coincided with a visit to Ukraine by U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey, who traveled through western regions before reaching Kyiv.
“We were close enough to hear the air raid sirens around Lviv on our journey to Kyiv,” Healey said, describing the moment as a stark reminder of the conditions Ukrainians face during winter attacks.
“We won’t stand for this, which is why we are determined to put leading-edge weapons into the hands of Ukrainians as they fight back,” he added.
Missile capabilities
According to the Defense Ministry, the Nightfall missiles will carry a 200-kilogram warhead and have a range exceeding 500 kilometers, allowing them to strike targets deep behind Russian lines.
The ground-launched system is designed for rapid firing followed by immediate withdrawal, reducing the risk of counter-strikes while enabling attacks on high-value military targets.
Production is expected to reach 10 missiles per month, with a maximum unit cost of $1.07 million.
Industry competition
Project Nightfall will award three development contracts worth $12 million each to competing industry teams. The goal is to deliver the first three missiles for test firing within a year.
Proposals will be accepted through early February, with contract awards planned for March 2026.
“A secure Europe needs a strong Ukraine,” said U.K. Defense Procurement Minister Luke Pollard. “These new long-range British missiles will keep Ukraine in the fight and give Vladimir Putin another thing to worry about.
Sources: Kyiv Independent, U.K. Defense Ministry
