Ukraine to receive Nightfall missiles

According to the British government, as part of the Nightfall project, the UK has announced a competition for the rapid development of ground-based ballistic missiles with a range of over 500 kilometers, designed for use in high-threat environments on battlefields with strong electromagnetic interference.

Nightfall missiles will be capable of being launched from various vehicles, rapidly firing multiple missiles in succession and retreating within minutes, enabling Ukrainian forces to strike key military targets before Russian forces can respond.

With a 200 kg warhead, high accuracy, a production rate of 10 systems per month, and a maximum price of £800,000 per missile, Nightfall is designed to provide Ukraine with a powerful and cost-effective long-range strike option with minimal external export controls.

The goal of the project is to award three industrial teams with £9 million development contracts each to design, develop, and deliver the first three missiles within 12 months for test launches.

Nightfall is a project focused on rapid prototyping, spiral development, resilience to electronic warfare, and the ability to quickly scale up production, particularly in the UK.

While the Nightfall project is aimed at supporting Ukraine, it will also serve as a basis for future projects for the British Armed Forces.

Detailed requirements for Nightfall were communicated to industrial partners on December 19, 2025, who signed the necessary confidentiality and security agreements. The deadline for submitting proposals for the development of Nightfall is February 9, 2026, and development contracts are scheduled to be signed in March.

Photo: MOD.