UK to Supply Ukraine with Long-Range Missiles Built Without US Components

Prototypes of Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine

According to ХВИЛЯ: Three prototype long-range missiles, developed entirely without American parts, have been unveiled by the United Kingdom for the Ukrainian military. Initial units could be delivered to Ukraine by the end of 2025. The missile program, named Brakestop, was launched in November 2024 due to delays in the supply of US-made ATACMS and Storm Shadow systems, which were held back over escalation concerns. Storm Shadow missiles depended on American guidance systems and mapping data, a factor that also restricted their use from late 2024 onward.

Development and Production

Three British companies-MBDA UK, MGI Engineering, and Rotron Aerospace-are jointly developing the Brakestop missile. Notably, these systems passed tests successfully in the spring of 2025. Monthly production of Brakestop is planned at 20 units, with each missile costing roughly £400,000 excluding its warhead. The Brakestop carries a 225 kg warhead, lighter than the 450 kg payload of the Storm Shadow.

MBDA has also created the Crossbow missile, featuring its own visual navigation system free of US components. MGI Engineering is working on the Tiger Shark missile, marking its first defense contract. For the Tiger Shark, MGI is using a system from the German-American company Auterion, which has confirmed that its navigation and data are not sourced from the United States.

In a related development, Ukrainian firms have also started designing drones and cruise missiles without American parts, examples being the FP-2 and FP-5 from Kyiv-based Firepoint. Initially, 27 companies expressed interest in the project, but after live-fire tests at the Ministry of Defense range in Scotland's Hebrides Islands, only three companies remained in the competition.

“Freedom of action and sovereignty were the main requirements of TFK.” - Bill Beaumont, MBDA representative

The introduction of new missiles like Brakestop and similar systems that exclude US components highlights the UK's commitment to providing Ukraine with critical military assets, free from external constraints. This move aims to bolster the Ukrainian army amid rising geopolitical tensions and restrictions on arms shipments. Meanwhile, the growing involvement of Ukrainian companies in developing drones and missiles signals Ukraine's increasing self-reliance in defense technology, which could strengthen its future capabilities.

“We don’t want [permission to use weapons] to depend on how some negotiations are going.” - UK government official

As the UK enhances its support for Ukraine through the Brakestop missile program, it's important to note that this initiative aligns with broader efforts to develop advanced weaponry independently. For a deeper understanding of how the UK plans to create long-range armaments without relying on US components, you can read more about it here.