The Thales missile factory in Belfast is set to supply Ukraine with an impressive 5,000 air defense missiles, showcasing a significant commitment from the UK government amidst ongoing conflict in the region. Announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, this contract is valued at up to £1.6 billion and is expected to boost local employment, with plans to recruit 200 additional staff.
Belfast's Thales Factory Secures Major Missile Supply Contract for Ukraine
Belfast's Thales Factory Secures Major Missile Supply Contract for Ukraine
Thales in Belfast will provide 5,000 missiles to Ukraine as part of a £1.6bn deal announced by Prime Minister Starmer.
Thales, a French-owned corporation recognized as one of Europe’s leading arms manufacturers, will deliver lightweight multirole missiles (LMMs) that have already seen use by Ukrainian armed forces. This marks a substantial escalation from previous contracts, including a £162 million agreement last September which facilitated the supply of 650 LMMs.
The new contract, valued initially at £1.16 billion, holds the potential for approximately £500 million of further collaborations, involving partnerships with Ukrainian manufacturers who will produce missile launchers and command vehicles domestically.
The contract represents the largest order Thales has ever received in Belfast, as confirmed by the UK Ministry of Defence. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the importance of this agreement in enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities against both drone and missile threats, as well as acting as a deterrent against potential future aggression from Russia.
This procurement agreement comes through the Defence Equipment & Support division on behalf of the Ukrainian government and will be financed via United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF), part of a broader £3.5 billion support initiative that enables Ukraine to invest in UK industries.
This major endeavor not only signals unwavering support for Ukraine amidst enduring conflict but also promises to invigorate the local economy in Belfast through job creation and industrial collaboration.
Belfast
War in Ukraine
UK defence spending
Northern Ireland
Ministry of Defence
Ukraine
The new contract, valued initially at £1.16 billion, holds the potential for approximately £500 million of further collaborations, involving partnerships with Ukrainian manufacturers who will produce missile launchers and command vehicles domestically.
The contract represents the largest order Thales has ever received in Belfast, as confirmed by the UK Ministry of Defence. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the importance of this agreement in enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities against both drone and missile threats, as well as acting as a deterrent against potential future aggression from Russia.
This procurement agreement comes through the Defence Equipment & Support division on behalf of the Ukrainian government and will be financed via United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF), part of a broader £3.5 billion support initiative that enables Ukraine to invest in UK industries.
This major endeavor not only signals unwavering support for Ukraine amidst enduring conflict but also promises to invigorate the local economy in Belfast through job creation and industrial collaboration.
Belfast
War in Ukraine
UK defence spending
Northern Ireland
Ministry of Defence
Ukraine
