British defence firms are developing new long-range missiles for Ukraine under a Ministry of Defence initiative aimed at enhancing Kyiv’s strike capabilities while reducing reliance on American technology. The project, known as Brakestop, involves producing weapons free of US components, allowing the UK to supply and manufacture the missiles without requiring US consent.

The new missiles, tested recently in prototype form, are capable of striking targets over 310 miles (500 kilometers) away and carry a warhead weighing approximately 225 kilograms (around 500 pounds). Priced at roughly £400,000 per unit—excluding the warhead—they are considerably more affordable than the Storm Shadow missiles previously provided to Ukraine, which are estimated to cost about £800,000 each.

Removing American parts from the design is a strategic move amid evolving transatlantic defence relationships. Analysts suggest that this independence prevents potential supply disruptions if the US disapproves of how Ukraine employs the weapons. Jack Watling, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, noted that the US will be unable to withdraw support based on usage concerns, indicating a shift toward greater European and British self-sufficiency in arming Ukraine.

Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine’s military initially depended heavily on US equipment, especially for capabilities like air defence interceptors. However, European allies are now increasingly providing weaponry, and Ukraine itself has ramped up domestic production of certain armaments, including drones capable of deep strikes into Russian territory. Last week, Ukrainian forces conducted what is believed to be their largest attack inside Russia since the war began, targeting Moscow’s largest oil refinery with nearly 200 drones. The refinery supplies a significant portion of the capital’s fuel, making it a strategic target.

The UK Ministry of Defence aims to have the new missile system operational within a year. Contracts worth approximately £5 million each were awarded last year to several British companies—including Rotron Aerospace, MBDA UK, and MGI Engineering—to develop and produce prototypes within a seven-month timeframe. MBDA UK is already known for producing Storm Shadow missiles, while MGI Engineering, based in Oxford with a background in Formula One engineering, secured its first defence contract for this initiative.

Louise Sandher-Jones, the UK’s new minister for the armed forces, emphasized the project as evidence of Britain’s "industrial strength, innovation and determination" to address the demands of modern warfare and support allies like Ukraine. Observers suggest that providing Ukraine with accurate, cost-effective long-range missiles could aid in targeting key Russian economic and military infrastructure, potentially impacting Russia’s ability to sustain its war effort.