The 5,000 missiles will be manufactured at Belfast’s Thales weapons plant.
Keir Starmer called Russia a "menace" to UK waters and skies, citing cyber attacks and assassinations. The UK is increasing missile spending, signing a €1.9 billion deal to supply 5,000 air defense missiles to Ukraine, manufactured in Belfast, creating 200 jobs. Starmer emphasized the importance of Ukraine's future to UK national security, strengthening the relationship with the US, and working with Ukraine, France, and potentially others on a peace plan to discuss with the US. The missile deal was described as supporting Ukraine and boosting UK jobs, with DUP leader Gavin Robinson hailing the order as “hugely significant” for the Belfast workforce.
