The LMM, a 13kg missile renowned for its precision, will be integrated into the British Army’s Stormer combat vehicles and deployed through the Royal Navy’s Martlet maritime anti-surface missile system from Wildcat helicopters. These missiles are designed to effectively counter threats such as drones, helicopters, aircraft, and small, fast maritime targets.
The contract not only bolsters the UK’s defence capabilities but also supports 135 jobs at Thales’ site in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Additionally, it will stimulate economic growth by engaging small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the local supply chain. This move follows the recent £69 million contract placed earlier this year to secure the supply chain for key components in missile manufacturing, highlighting the increasing global demand for air defence capabilities driven by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Andy Start, CEO of Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), emphasized the missile’s versatility: “As we have seen during UK military operations and when used by our Ukrainian allies, LMM is a versatile and valuable missile in a variety of battlespaces. Now more than ever, we need to ensure UK Armed Forces and our allies are fully equipped to defeat the evolving global threats we face. This order with Thales UK is a key element of that collective effort.”
Thales’ Belfast production has doubled in response to the heightened demand for air defence systems. Hundreds of LMMs have already been supplied to Ukraine, aiding in their defence against the Russian invasion that began in February 2022. The initial operating capability for the Martlet system was demonstrated in 2021 during the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group deployment in the Bay of Bengal, and since then, Martlet has been integral to operations such as Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea.
Alex Cresswell, CEO of Thales UK, expressed his commitment to this partnership: “Today’s contract announcement reflects the enduring partnership between the UK MOD and Thales for the provision of lightweight weapons. I look forward to continuing to work closely together with the MoD to deliver the capabilities our Armed Forces need, and to make industry more resilient to deal with increasing demand.”
