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UK to Send 5,000 Laser-Guided Missiles to Ukraine in Landmark Defense Deal
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
The United Kingdom and Ukraine are set to sign a long-term defense agreement that will see the delivery of over 5,000 Thales-made air defense missiles to Kyiv over the next 19 years.
The deal, valued at $3.2 billion, was described as “historic” by the UK government and will be signed on July 10 during the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome.
According to a statement published by the British government the agreement will support both Ukraine’s defense needs and the UK’s domestic defense industrial base.
The missiles are to be manufactured by Thales Belgium, with full-scale production aimed at meeting Ukraine’s air defense requirements.
British Export Minister Gareth Thomas stated, “We are delivering vital equipment to Ukraine while strengthening our own industrial capacity. This is a clear example of our Change Plan in action—supporting British industry, boosting exports, and standing with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.”
The deal concerns the FZ275 LGR, a 70mm guided missile developed by Thales. Originally an unguided aviation rocket, the FZ275 LGR has been upgraded with a semi-active laser guidance system, giving it a strike range of up to 3,000 meters.
The missile is capable of intercepting drones, including those used in Russian attacks, and is compatible with the Vampire air defense systems currently deployed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
This compatibility will allow mobile fire teams to supplement machine guns with guided munitions, providing a cost-effective alternative to more expensive air defense missiles.
In addition to the missile contract, the UK government confirmed a commitment of up to $362 million in bilateral aid to Ukraine for 2026.
This funding includes $13.4 million for Ukraine’s Public Administration Reform Program and up to $1.28 million to support Ukraine’s Green Transition Office in the 2025–2026 fiscal year.
British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasized the broader scope of the support, stating that the UK remains committed to strengthening Ukraine’s air defense against ongoing drone and missile threats, while also contributing to the country’s reconstruction and long-term recovery efforts.
Earlier, the UK successfully tested its next-generation microwave weapon system, RapidDestroyer, designed to neutralize drone swarms by emitting high-powered radio frequencies.
Developed by Thales, the system reportedly downed over 100 drones during trials and could be deployed in Ukraine. Each shot costs just 13 cents, making it a cost-effective countermeasure against mass drone attacks.
