UK Ministry of Defence awards $48m missile contracts to Thales
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has entered into new contracts worth £36m ($48m) with Thales in the UK to deliver several hundred Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) for the British Armed Forces.
In a 1 June release, the MoD said that the agreements aim to increase the UK’s missile stockpiles and enhance the protection of British personnel stationed in the Middle East and other locations.
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This latest arrangement follows a government announcement in March confirming plans to acquire additional LMMs for British forces and for export to countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council and other Middle East states.
The procurement comes in the context of the UK’s efforts to address concerns about its response to recent developments in the Iran-Middle East crisis.
Production and design of the missiles takes place at Thales’ Belfast facility, with deliveries under the new contracts scheduled to commence in the coming months and continue through to 2026.
According to the Ministry, approximately 700 specialist jobs at the site are supported by these contracts.
The most recent order, issued by the National Armaments Director Group in May, comes after a previous request for further LMMs in April.
The Ministry of Defence has reported that LMMs have been effective in previous operations, particularly in countering drone attacks in the Middle East. Over 100 drones have been intercepted using these missiles, some by RAF Regiment personnel operating the Rapid Sentry air defence system.
In addition to their use on the ground, the missiles are deployed on Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters and are in operation from UK bases in Cyprus, where they support the defence of British personnel, bases, and allies.
According to the MoD, this agreement is part of broader efforts with the National Armaments Director Group to reinforce resilience in the munitions supply chain and maintain operational capability with allied nations.
Currently, over 1,000 UK personnel are stationed in the Middle East, including members of fast jet squadrons and counter-drone teams, focused on safeguarding British interests and allied commitments in the region.
