Race to Arm: Britain's Bold Ballistic Missile Ambitions
The UK Ministry of Defence is rapidly moving to develop a medium-range ballistic missile under Project Nightfall, marking its first such endeavor since the 1960s. The goal is to complete prototype testing quickly and economically, reflecting the urgency in modern arms development amid growing geopolitical tensions.
In a bold move, the UK's Ministry of Defence outlined plans for Project Nightfall, a new medium-range ballistic missile initiative, aiming to strike targets 600 km away. The project marks the UK's first ballistic missile development since the 1960s, with a keen focus on speed and cost-efficiency.
Amid heightened geopolitical tensions, the UK aims to advance prototype tests within nine months at a maximum cost of £500,000 per missile, with subsequent mass production. European missile consortium MBDA is among the potential bidders, emphasizing the urgency for rapid arms redevelopment across Europe.
With American and Chinese geopolitical maneuvers reshaping global defense strategies, European firms are investing heavily in scalable, cost-effective weapon systems, underscoring a shift in defense priorities. The recent arms fair in London showcased a growing divide between firms ready to deliver at pace and those struggling to adapt.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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