Project Nightfall to test fire deep-strike capabilities for Ukraine by 2027
Ukraine has already been supplied with ATACMSs which have a range of 300km, half the range of this newly planned missile. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The UK competition for industry to develop deep-strike capabilities for Ukraine in its war effort against Russia will also provide benefits for the country’s own long-range strike efforts.
The UK has announced plans to develop a long-range ballistic missile that will help bolster Ukraine’s firepower against Russia. Named Project Nightfall, the ballistic missile will be designed with a range of up to 500km, with a 200kg explosive warhead, according to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). At present, Ukraine is fielding the US-supplied Army Tactical Missiles System (ATACMS), which has a range of up to 300km.
With an expectation for chosen industry partners to produce 10 systems a month, the UK will award three £9 million (US$12 million) development contracts to design, develop and deliver the first three
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Could the next UAS market boom take place beyond the battlefield?]()
Could the next UAS market boom take place beyond the battlefield?
While the headlines remain dominated by the use of drones for combat operations in Ukraine and other conflicts, there are emerging use cases where the technology could usefully feed back into areas and missions outside the war zone.
-
![USAF eyes sensor and weapon upgrades as MH-139A Grey Wolf achieves IOC]()
USAF eyes sensor and weapon upgrades as MH-139A Grey Wolf achieves IOC
The Grey Wolf has entered operational service nearly three years later than originally planned, while new sustainment contracts indicate that some UH-1Ns could remain supported until 2031.
-
![Extending mission readiness: where XR adds real value in pilot, crew and maintenance training]()
Extending mission readiness: where XR adds real value in pilot, crew and maintenance training
Extended reality (XR) is becoming increasingly relevant in military aviation training, adding a flexible layer to an integrated ecosystem spanning the pilot, crew, and maintenance domains.
