Deliveries of the new missiles will begin in the coming months and continue throughout 2026. The Ministry of Defence said the order will help ensure the Armed Forces remain equipped to counter aerial threats.
The latest contract was placed by the National Armaments Director Group in May. It follows an additional April order for the battle-proven Lightweight Multirole Missiles.
Thales has quadrupled its missile production capability at its facilities in Northern Ireland since 2022. The latest contract supports around 700 highly skilled jobs at Thales in Belfast, where the missiles are designed and manufactured.
The Lightweight Multirole Missile is used across land, sea and air by the UK and allied nations. It is laser guided to provide precision against a range of threats and is particularly effective as a counter-uncrewed aerial system capability.
The Ministry of Defence said the missiles have already played a key role in defeating drone attacks in the Middle East. More than 100 drones have been shot down using the missiles, including by RAF Regiment gunners operating the Rapid Sentry air defence kit.
“Our UK defence industry is the backbone of our Armed Forces. This is our new partnership with industry in action,” said Defence Secretary John Healey.
“We’re getting UK-built kit into the hands of our forces faster as we support good skilled jobs and drive growth across the UK. These interceptor missiles are battle-proven – successfully used in action by our RAF sharp shooters over recent months,” Healey said.
“With these LMMs, our dedicated Armed Forces will continue to keep the UK and our partners more secure in the Middle East and beyond,” he added.
The missiles are also deployed on Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters. The Ministry of Defence said they help defend British people, bases and allies from UK bases in Cyprus.
The investment forms part of wider work by the Ministry of Defence and the National Armaments Director Group to increase resilience in munitions supply chains. It is also intended to ensure the UK can sustain operations alongside allies.
The UK has stepped up its defensive presence across the Middle East this year. More than 1,000 personnel are deployed across the region, including fast jet squadrons and specialist counter-drone teams protecting British people, bases and allies.
