UK to Supply Ukraine with 650 Martlet Missiles in $201 Million Deal for Enhanced Air Defense

The United Kingdom will provide Ukraine with 650 Martlet multi-role missiles under a £162 million ($201 million) contract to enhance its air defense capabilities, according to the British Ministry of Defense.

The aid package will be announced by Defence Secretary John Healy at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base — his first meeting in his role as Defence Secretary.

The UK’s assistance was revealed following Healy’s meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umierov, in London earlier this week. During this meeting, the British Defence Secretary confirmed that artillery ammunition worth £300 million ($366 million) would begin arriving by the end of the year.

The first batch of Martlet missiles is also expected to be delivered by the end of this year. Manufactured by Thales at their Belfast facility, these highly versatile missiles can be launched from various platforms on land, sea, and air.

This aid is primarily funded through the UK’s £3 billion annual support package for Ukraine, as well as contributions from Norway to the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU).