UK Progresses in Homegrown Tactical Ballistic Missile Project
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is moving forward with a tactical ballistic missile development project dubbed Nightfall.
The effort aims to deliver a cost-effective missile capable of being launched from a mobile platform at ranges exceeding 500 kilometers (311 miles).
At least five all-up rounds are expected to be delivered within 9-12 months for trials, according to an MoD tender notice.
The tender follows an industry notice issued in September seeking early market feedback.
The MoD has previously stated that the projectile’s unit price should be around 500,000 pounds ($675,250), excluding the warhead, launcher, and development costs.
By comparison, the unit cost of the US MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System is estimated at between $1 million and $1.5 million, while the newer Precision Strike Missile exceeds $3 million per round.
According to the tender notice, each Nightfall effector must deliver an approximately 200-kilogram (441-pound) high-explosive payload beyond 500 kilometers (311 miles) on a supersonic ballistic trajectory, with basic maneuvering capability.
Additional requirements include the ability to operate in GPS-contested or degraded environments and achieve a circular error probability of 10 meters (33 feet), meaning the missile must strike within 10 meters of a designated target 50 percent of the time.
The system must support the launch of more than two effectors from one ground vehicle, achieve target impact within 10 minutes of launch, and enable the launcher and crew to redeploy within 15 minutes of completing all launches.
Sovereign Capability
According to the MoD, the design should be largely free of foreign trade or usage restrictions and support future upgrades, including increases in range, accuracy, maneuverability, and telemetry capability.
Pending a potential future contract, production should be scalable to deliver at least 10 units per month, with the scope for additional ramp-up as required.
The requirement emerges as the British Army upgrades and expands its 40-strong M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) fleet.
The modernized launchers will support the Extended-Range Guided MLRS rocket, with a 150-kilometer (93-mile) range, and the Precision Strike Missile, capable of reaching up to 499 kilometers (310 miles).
A sovereign tactical ballistic missile would allow the UK to independently scale MLRS munition production and potentially pursue exports.
