DE&S Orders More Lightweight Multirole Missiles for UK Armed Forces

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) has ordered a significant number of Thales UK’s Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) for UK Armed Forces.

The order, worth £176 million, will equip current and future short-range air defence capabilities including the British Army’s Stormer combat vehicles and Royal Navy’s Martlet maritime anti-surface missile system, deployed from Wildcat helicopters.

Weighing only 13kg each, LMM provides a versatile, precision solution against threats such as drones, helicopters, other aircraft and small, fast maritime targets.

Supporting 135 jobs at Thales’ site in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the contract will also support economic growth through small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and the local supply chain.

Since February 2022, hundreds of LMMs have also been gifted to Ukraine as they have fought to repel the illegal Russian invasion.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, announced the LMM order at the DE&S stand at Farnborough International Airshow.

Ms Eagle said: “In a more dangerous world, we must continue to provide weapons to Ukraine but also replenish our own stocks.

“Our new order of Lightweight Multirole Missiles from Thales UK will support this, providing our Armed Forces with versatile missiles that can be used against threats such as drones, helicopters and small maritime targets.

“This contract is also a great example of how defence investment can support economic growth and sustain jobs in the UK for years to come.”

Read the full report on the DE&S website