Overview
- The government formally opened the Project Nightfall competition on Jan. 11, with proposals due Feb. 9 and contract awards targeted for March 2026.
- Specifications call for a ground-launched tactical ballistic missile with a range of more than 500 kilometers and a 200 kilogram conventional high-explosive warhead.
- The system is required to launch from various vehicles, fire multiple rounds in quick succession, withdraw within minutes, and operate under heavy electromagnetic interference.
- The program sets a maximum price of £800,000 per missile and seeks scalable UK manufacturing at a target rate of 10 systems per month.
- Plans envision three industry teams each receiving a £9 million contract to deliver three test missiles within 12 months, bolstering Ukraine’s deep-strike capability and informing future UK projects.