On the sidelines of the Farnborough International Airshow, the British government signed a contract with Thales for the supply of "a significant number" of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), also known as Martlet, Janes reports. These missiles, previously donated to Ukraine in undisclosed quantities, have proven highly effective as surface-to-air interceptors against small UAVs like the russian Orlan-10.
A key detail of this contract is the three-year timeline required to ramp up Martlet missile production. This delay underscores the broader issue facing Western nations in quickly replenishing their arsenals, particularly as the UK continues to support Ukraine in its fight against russian aggression.
Read more: Britain's Official Answer If Ukraine Can Use Its Weapons For Strikes on russian Territory
While the specific number of ordered Martlets remains undisclosed, the deal's total value is GBP 176 million (approximately USD 227 million). The first deliveries to the British Armed Forces are expected to commence in 2027. To meet this contract, Thales UK will expand its workforce by 135 employees, adding to the current 800 staff members in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Andy Start, Chief Executive of Defence Equipment and Support at the UK government, emphasized that this contract aims to ensure a continuous supply of Martlets, minimizing long lead times and production delays. This is crucial not only for replenishing the UK's own stockpiles but also for maintaining a steady flow of aid to Ukraine.
It is noteworthy that the British government needs to take three years for deployment of Martlet production, even though the demand for these missiles is urgent.
Being a lightweight "multirole" missile, Martlet has two operating modes, either as an air defense weapon or a precision-guided missile against ground targets. Consequently, it is in demand by two branches of the British military: the Army uses them with the Stormer self-propelled air defense system, and the UK Royal Navy deploys them on Leonardo AW159 Wildcat HMA2 helicopters.
For more reference information about Martlet, its operation modes, and experience of using it in Ukraine, with insights from a Ukrainian Air Assault Forces air defense operator, read this article.
Read more: Hunting UAVs with "Martlet": Insight From a Ukrainian Paratrooper
