- Britain has successfully tested new long-range strike weapons, with the government aiming to deliver them to Ukraine within months to bolster its defence capabilities.
- The initiative, known as "Project Brakestop," seeks to produce munitions more quickly and affordably than current systems like Storm Shadow missiles, with specifications including a 500km range, 225kg warhead, and speeds over 600km per hour.
- Initial trials took place at a range in the Hebrides, involving three remaining suppliers – MBDA UK, MGI Engineering, and Rotron Aerospace – after a competitive development process that saw 27 industry bids.
- The Ministry of Defence challenged firms to develop these weapons for approximately £400,000 per unit, with a production target of at least 20 units per month, and awarded follow-on contracts worth £15 million for further development.
- A key requirement for the project was that the systems be free from US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), aiming to enhance the UK's sovereign defence capabilities and industrial resilience, as stated by Armed Forces Minister Louise Sandher-Jones.
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