UK Sends 6,000 Laser-Guided Martlet Missiles to Bolster Ukraine’s Air Defenses

The United Kingdom is providing Ukraine with 6,000 Martlet lightweight missiles designed to counter drones and other aerial threats, adding a new layer to the country’s air defense network as Russian drone attacks continue.

According to military analyst and former British Army soldier Wes O’Donnell, the package includes 5,000 Martlet missiles announced by London in March 2025 and an additional 1,000 approved in February 2026. The missiles are intended to help protect critical infrastructure, logistics hubs, airfields, and other high-value sites from Russian unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Martlet, also known as the Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM), is a laser-guided weapon developed by British defense company Thales. Weighing approximately 13 kilograms and capable of engaging targets at ranges exceeding six kilometers, the missile can be launched from ground, air, and maritime platforms.

One of the system’s key features is its laser beam-riding guidance, which allows it to engage targets with limited thermal signatures. Unlike traditional heat-seeking missiles, Martlet does not rely on detecting engine heat, making it suitable for intercepting drones and other small aerial targets.

The missile is already integrated into RapidRanger air defense systems previously supplied to Ukraine by the UK. According to O’Donnell, British forces have used Martlet operationally against hostile drones in the Middle East, where the missile reportedly achieved more than 100 successful interceptions.

Production of the weapon has expanded significantly in recent years. Thales manufactures Martlet missiles at its facility in Belfast and has increased output several times since 2022 in response to growing demand. The UK Ministry of Defence signed additional contracts with the company in April and May 2026 to support further production.

Military analysts note that Martlet is not intended to replace long-range air defense systems such as Patriot, NASAMS, or IRIS-T. Instead, it is designed to complement them by providing a lower-cost interceptor for drones and other short-range aerial threats, helping preserve more advanced missiles for higher-priority targets.

Earlier, the UK announced its largest-ever drone package for Ukraine, committing at least 120,000 drones in 2026. According to the UK Ministry of Defence, most of the investment will go to British companies, including Tekever, Windracers, and Malloy Aeronautics, supporting both Ukraine’s battlefield needs and the growth of the UK defense industry.

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