The UK Ministry of Defence has announced the early transfer of hundreds of anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine. The delivery took place five months ahead of schedule.

Source: UK government press release

Details: The missiles were manufactured at a plant in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and are part of the British side's donation programme. These are Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), which have been used to protect Ukrainian airspace since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The LMM (Martlet) is a UK-made lightweight multi-role missile designed to hit UAVs, helicopters, light vessels and armoured vehicles. It is 1.3 m long, weighs only 13 kg, has laser and infrared guidance systems, has a range of up to 8 km and is effective thanks to its 3 kg fragmentation warhead with a non-contact fuse.

The missile can be launched from ground-based launchers (MANPADS, Stormer HVM or RapidRanger air defence systems), as well as from airborne (helicopters) or sea-based (military ships) platforms.

LMM (Martlet) anti-aircraft missile. Photo: forces.net

Earlier, it was reported that the Ukrainian government plans to purchase UK Rapid Ranger air defence systems, as well as LMM missiles for them, for almost US$2.3 billion, raised in the United Kingdom.

UK RapidRanger air defence system using LMM missiles. Photo: Thales UK

The supply of these missiles is part of a large-scale military aid programme to Kyiv from the UK. In 2025, London allocated £4.5 billion to support Ukraine — the largest amount of aid ever provided by the UK to a foreign country.

Cooperation between Ukraine and the UK is further strengthened by the fact that Ukraine's largest drone manufacturer, Ukrspecsystems, has announced a £200 million investment project in the East of England. The plan involves the construction of an 11,000-square-metre factory and the creation of a testing and training centre. This investment will create 500 highly skilled jobs and contribute to the UK's economic growth.

It was also announced that the UK and Ukraine have agreed to launch joint defence projects, including the production of interceptor drones and glide bombs.

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