The UK is stepping up its defence game, investing over £400 million in 2026 to develop long-range and hypersonic missiles.
Defence Secretary John Healey calls it “a new deal for European security.”
The money will replace the Storm Shadow missiles that Ukraine has been using for deep strikes in Russia.
It will also fund the Stratus “Stealth” missile, developed by France and Italy in cooperation with Germany’s Deep Precision Strike system. Stratus is creating both stealth and high-speed missiles — and already supports over 1,300 highly skilled UK jobs.
These new weapons will destroy high-value targets, sink enemy ships, and suppress air defences. Analysts say the UK-Germany programme is moving fast, with a new joint study phase accelerating stealth and hypersonic development.
This follows the UK-Germany Trinity House Agreement signed in early 2024. Healey will discuss the missile projects with European allies at the Munich Security Conference this Friday.
“To meet this new era of rising threats, we need hard power, strong alliances and sure diplomacy,” Healey said.
“The war in Ukraine shows the decisive impact of long-range precision weapons. The UK is stepping up.”
“Alongside Germany, France and Italy, we will deliver cutting-edge weapons to keep the UK and NATO safe, boost deterrence, and build a new deal for European security.”
The government is committing to the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, hitting 2.6% of GDP by 2027 to keep Britain and its allies safe.
With these new missiles, the UK aims to lead Europe in long-range strike capability, sending a clear message to any adversary: Britain is ready, armed, and deadly precise.
