The United Kingdom is creating a new missile for Ukraine called Nightfall: range over 500 km.

According to ТСН: The United Kingdom has announced the launch of the Nightfall project – a new tactical ballistic missile aimed at enhancing Ukraine's capabilities to strike distant military targets in Russia.

As part of the program, London is conducting a competition for the rapid development of a ground missile with a range of over 500 km, capable of operating under conditions of intense electronic warfare and high threat on the battlefield.

What is known about Nightfall

• range of fire – over 500 km;

• warhead – 200 kg of conventional explosive;

• high accuracy and resistance to electronic warfare;

• capability for series launches from various platforms with quick repositioning;

• estimated cost – up to £800 thousand per missile;

• production rate – up to 10 missiles per month.

The UK Ministry of Defence noted that Nightfall is expected to be an economically effective tool for long-range strikes with minimal export control restrictions.

London's Position

UK Defence Minister John Healey emphasized that new Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure only confirm the Kremlin's unwillingness to begin peace negotiations.

“Putin continues to wage an illegal war, striking civilians on frosty days. We will not tolerate this and will provide Ukraine with advanced weapons for defense,” Healey emphasized.

Minister for Defence Procurement Luke Pollard added that the security of Europe directly depends on the strength of Ukraine.

“New British long-range missiles will allow Ukraine to remain in the fight and give Putin another reason to be concerned,” he stated.

Timeline and Funding

• three contracts worth £9 million are planned with industrial groups;

• the first three missiles are to be produced within 12 months for testing;

• proposal deadline – February 9, 2026;

• contract signing is expected in March 2026.

London emphasized that although Nightfall is being created to support Ukraine, the project will also lay the foundation for future British long-range strike systems.

At this moment, the new project can significantly shift the balance of power in the region, providing Ukraine with important capabilities for defense and striking the enemy. Given the prolonged confrontation with Russia, such technologies are becoming critically necessary to ensure the security of not only Ukraine but all of Europe.