UK Launches Project Nightfall: Britain’s Own Tactical Ballistic Missile Plan

London, 27 August 2025 – The UK Ministry of Defence has officially announced Project Nightfall, a new programme to build a homegrown tactical ballistic missile. It is intended as a cost-effective alternative to the American Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) and will be compatible with the UK’s existing M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System.

The project is still in its early engagement stage, with the MoD calling on British industry to contribute designs and technologies. Responses are due by 18 September 2025, and an industry day will follow later in September to shape the competition.

Key Features and Targets

• Range & Payload: More than 600 km range with a 300 kg high-explosive warhead.

• Accuracy: Able to strike within 5 metres CEP (circular error probable) in at least half of all launches, even in GPS-denied or jammed conditions.

• Speed & Agility:

  • Capable of launching multiple missiles from one M270 in under 15 minutes.

  • Launcher vehicle must vacate the area within five minutes after firing.

  • Missiles must reach their target in under 10 minutes.

• Survivability: Designed with a low multispectral signature and strong resistance against electronic warfare.

• Cost Cap: Each missile must cost under £500,000, excluding warhead and launcher.

• Production: Industry must be able to produce at least 10 missiles per month, with scope to expand output.

• Timeline: The MoD requires at least five complete missiles for testing within 9–12 months of contract award.

• Sovereignty: The missile must be free from foreign export restrictions, ensuring the UK maintains full control.

• Future Growth: Built to allow upgrades in range, accuracy, manoeuvrability, and telemetry.

Strategic Importance

This marks the UK’s first serious move into ballistic missile development since the Cold War. Britain has long relied on imported U.S. systems, such as ATACMS, and is awaiting the PrSM. But London now wants a sovereign capability, reducing dependency on U.S. export rules and boosting national industry.

With war in Ukraine showing the importance of long-range precision strikes, Project Nightfall is also part of NATO’s wider effort to strengthen deep fires. If successful, the UK could not only enhance its own deterrence but also emerge as a potential exporter of affordable tactical missiles in Europe.

The Challenge

The ambition is bold: a missile with 600 km reach, pinpoint accuracy, rapid reaction time, and resilience against jamming — all for under half a million pounds each. Delivering this at scale and speed will be difficult. Defence experts warn that balancing performance targets with cost pressures could be the toughest test for British industry.

What Comes Next

• 18 September 2025 – Deadline for companies to submit proposals.

• 24 September 2025 – Industry day in London to refine the project scope.

• Contracts will then move into development, with the first trial missiles expected within a year.

Project Nightfall is both an opportunity and a gamble: if successful, it will revive Britain’s ability to design and field ballistic missiles after decades, giving the UK a powerful sovereign strike option within NATO. But failure to meet the tight budget, schedule, and capability demands could stall the effort before it leaves the drawing board.