Thales Secures GBP 176 Million Contract to Supply UK Armed Forces with Lightweight Multirole Missiles

In a significant boost to the UK's defence capabilities, Thales has secured a substantial GBP 176 million contract to supply the British Armed Forces with Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM). This move aims to enhance the short-range air defence capabilities of both the British Army and the Royal Navy, providing them with versatile and precision weaponry suited for various modern combat scenarios.

The Lightweight Multirole Missile, weighing 13kg, is renowned for its precision and effectiveness against a range of threats including drones, helicopters, aircraft, and small, fast maritime targets. These missiles 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.

The contract not only strengthens the UK’s defence capabilities but also supports 135 jobs at Thales’ site in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Furthermore, it stimulates economic growth by engaging small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the local supply chain. This deal follows a 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, noting its effectiveness during UK military operations and by Ukrainian allies: "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.”

In response to the heightened demand for air defence systems, Thales’ production in Belfast has doubled. Hundreds of LMMs have already been supplied to Ukraine, aiding 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. 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.”

This contract is a critical element of the UK’s ongoing efforts to maintain a robust and adaptable defence posture, ensuring that the British Armed Forces are well-equipped to handle the evolving global threats. The increased production and deployment of the LMM are clear indicators of the UK's commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities and supporting its allies in the face of ongoing global conflicts.