Thales Group has secured a significant contract to supply 5,000 air defense missiles to Ukraine, marking both a strategic boost for the besieged country and for employment at the Thales manufacturing facility located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This deal not only emphasizes the UK's commitment to assisting Ukraine against Russian aggression but also aims to create 200 new jobs and sustain around 700 existing positions at the Belfast facility. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, celebrating the announcement, stated, "This will be vitally important for protecting our infrastructure now and strengthen Ukraine's ability to secure peace when it eventually arrives." The agreement is characterized as the largest ever obtained by Thales's Belfast operation, following on from a previous contract signed in September 2024 for 650 missiles, of which the first batch was delivered before the end of last year.
Defence Secretary John Healey also commented on the significance of the deal, underlining its role as part of the UK’s pledge to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, anticipating future increases to 3% as part of broader national security enhancements and support for the domestic defense industry. "We remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s right to self-defense against any aggressor and this agreement forms part of our long-term strategy to maintain European security," Healey noted.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson remarked on the positive economic ripple effect the missile supply order could have on Belfast's workforce: "It is hugely significant for the Belfast workforce," he said. He added, "This order is recognition of the skills and ingenuity of the team at Thales. There is no point talking about international principles, no point talking about the values we wish to protect globally if we are not prepared to stand up for them. We are giving the tools to make sure a sovereign country has the ability to stand against international aggressors," referring to the urgent need for solid defense mechanisms supplied to Ukraine amid the backdrop of Russian hostility.
These missiles, known as lightweight multirole missiles (LMM), are capable of flying at speeds 1.5 times the speed of sound and can strike targets over 3.7 miles (6km) away. They will be instrumental not only against enemy vehicles but also boats and drones, providing Ukraine with versatile defense capabilities. Robinson expressed confidence about the defense contribution made from Belfast, mentioning the missiles sent from the facility back as early as January 2022 and underscoring their role as pivotal life-saving tools for Ukrainian forces. "Had it not been for missiles sent from the Belfast factory, Ukraine would have already fallen to Russia," he asserted.
The significance of this deal extends beyond mere numbers. It reflects broader international relations and defense discussions, especially following the challenges highlighted during high-profile meetings between both US and Ukrainian leaders. Robinson criticized some of the recent diplomatic exchanges, noting the disconnect on various international platforms, emphasizing the importance of maintaining dialogue and support for allies like Ukraine. He stated, "You have to take opportunities when they arise. Sometimes, those involve difficult conversations. More important is the opportunity for Northern Ireland to present itself positively among allies like the United States, which has consistently supported our region through investments and employment opportunities."
The order of 5,000 missiles, valued at approximately £1.6 billion (€1.93 billion), marks not only a strategic delivery of arms but also serves to rectify what Robinson dubbed as historical underspending on defense within Northern Ireland. He remarked, "It’s not about lacking skills or products but rather about seeing orders finally filtering through. This is encouraging not just for our high-tech industry but also for skills development and apprenticeships," emphasizing the long-term positive outlook for local manufacturing and defense capabilities.
Robinson concluded by highlighting his views on international engagements and the role of local leaders within such frameworks, reinforcing the idea of representation and participation at significant political events. "That is the job of political leaders and there is so much said about who is going but very little said about who is not going. It’s imperative for leaders to fully represent their constituents on such global stages," he emphasized.
This contract with Thales is poised to bolster Ukraine’s defense substantially, addressing immediate security needs and opening pathways for future military cooperation, all the way from strategic missile development to bolstering local economies and industries.