The united kingdom's Ministry of Defense launched the Nightfall project competition on 11/1 to rapidly develop ground-launched ballistic missiles. These missiles are designed to have a range of over 500 km, carry a 200 kg high-explosive warhead, and possess anti-jamming capabilities.

"The Nightfall missile will be capable of launching from various platforms, firing multiple rounds in quick succession, and withdrawing within minutes, enabling ukrainian forces to hit key military targets before russian forces can react", the UK Ministry of Defense stated, emphasizing this weapon's "deep strike" capability.

The british military aims to produce 10 Nightfall missiles each month, with a maximum cost of 1,07 million USD per missile. British officials plan to award three contractors 12 million USD development contracts to produce three initial prototypes and conduct test fires within one year. The deadline for applications is early february, and contracts are expected to be signed next month.

Storm Shadow missile at a factory in Stevenage, UK in 7/2025. Photo: AFP

"Ukraine needs to be strong to ensure europe's safety. These new long-range british missiles will help Ukraine continue to stand firm in the war and provide russian President Vladimir Putin with another concern", stated Luke Pollard, UK Under Secretary of Defense for Industry and Readiness.

This announcement followed a visit by UK Defense Minister John Healey to Ukraine. The visit coincided with a large-scale russian attack on ukrainian territory, during which the Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile was reportedly used to strike the western province of Lviv, located approximately 60 km from the border with NATO member Poland.

"We were so close that we could hear air raid sirens around Lviv while traveling to Kyiv. It was a serious moment and a clear reminder of the drones and missiles attacking ukrainians in sub-zero conditions. We do not tolerate this, so we are determined to transfer advanced weapons to Ukraine for them to respond", Mr. Healey said.

The russian Ministry of Defense has not yet commented on the information.

Ukraine has repeatedly emphasized the need for enhanced capabilities to strike russian military facilities and energy infrastructure with long-range weapons. This strategy aims to exert economic pressure on the adversary.

The ukrainian military has launched various types of missiles into russian territory, including western-supplied weapons like ATACMS and Storm Shadow, and domestic equipment such as Flamingo and Neptune. Ukraine has also repeatedly requested Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US, but without success.

Pham Giang (According to Reuters, Kyiv Independent)