Thales LMM missiles on a Royal Navy Wildcat helicopterNew contracts worth £36 million have been awarded to
Thales in the UK to supply hundreds of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) to the British Armed Forces, strengthening air defence capabilities and supporting operations in the Middle East and beyond.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said deliveries will begin in the coming months and continue throughout 2026, ensuring frontline forces remain equipped to counter evolving aerial threats, including drones.
The contracts, placed by the National Armaments Director Group, follow an earlier order in April for the same battle-proven missile system. Together, the agreements are expected to support around 700 highly skilled jobs at Thales’s Belfast facility, where the LMM is designed and manufactured.
The MoD highlighted that the procurement forms part of a wider effort to bolster resilience in UK munitions supply chains while reinforcing national security and industrial capacity.
Lightweight Multirole Missiles have already demonstrated their effectiveness in operational theatres. More than 100 drones have been successfully intercepted using the system in the Middle East, including engagements carried out by RAF Regiment gunners using the Rapid Sentry air defence kit.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Our UK defence industry is the backbone of our Armed Forces. This is our new partnership with industry in action.
“We’re getting UK-built kit into the hands of our forces faster as we support good skilled jobs and drive growth across the UK. These interceptor missiles are battle-proven – successfully used in action by our RAF sharp shooters over recent months.
“With these LMMs, our dedicated Armed Forces will continue to keep the UK and our partners more secure in the Middle East and beyond.”
The missiles are also deployed on Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters, helping to defend UK personnel, bases and allies, including operations staged from Cyprus.
The announcement comes as the UK expands its defensive presence across the Middle East, where more than 1,000 personnel are currently deployed, including fast jet squadrons and specialist counter-drone teams.
Photo: LPhot Dan Rosenbaum/UK Ministry of Defence 2021