The United Kingdom is set to provide Ukraine with 6,000 Martlet missiles, designed specifically to counter Russian drones. This move comes as the effectiveness of the Martlet system has been demonstrated on the battlefield, where it has successfully destroyed over a hundred enemy targets.
This information was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing military expert and British Army veteran Wes O’Donnell. The UK has been increasing its production of such weaponry in response to the growing threat posed by drones.
In April and May 2026, the UK Ministry of Defence signed two contracts with Thales, amounting to £36 million, to enhance its missile production capabilities. For Ukraine, the scale of this assistance is significant, with thousands of Martlet missiles being allocated. The UK began actively funding this initiative in 2025, committing approximately £1.7 billion for a combination of RapidRanger systems and Martlet missiles. The first shipments of this weaponry were delivered to Ukraine in 2024, allowing Ukrainian forces to become familiar with the LMM Martlet.
The missiles are manufactured in Belfast, where around 700 skilled professionals are employed. Former Defence Minister John Healey confirmed that these missiles have been “battle-tested,” having been effectively utilized by British air forces in recent months.
### Overview of the LMM Martlet
The LMM Martlet is a compact missile weighing just 13 kilograms, making it easy to transport. It has a range exceeding 6 kilometers.
A key feature of the Martlet is its guidance system, which utilizes a laser beam. The launch unit directs the missile straight to the target, distinguishing it from systems that rely on heat signatures.
- Advantages of Laser Guidance:
- Does not require a thermal signature from the target’s engine;
- Effectively destroys inexpensive drones with electric motors;
- Ineffective against thermal decoys;
- Operates even against low-observable aircraft.
For most Russian drones, the Martlet missile poses a significant threat. The operator does not need to see the “hot” jet engine; maintaining the targeting point on the object is sufficient.
This versatile weapon can be launched from various platforms, including Wildcat helicopters, Stormer armored vehicles, or portable systems. It serves as an ideal solution for the “medium zone” of engagement. Utilizing expensive Patriot missiles to intercept Shahed drones would be wasteful, while traditional anti-aircraft systems may lack sufficient range. The Martlet effectively fills this gap.
The UK is providing Ukraine with 6,000 Martlet missiles to enhance its defense against Russian drones. This compact, laser-guided weapon has proven effective in combat, offering a cost-efficient solution for targeting low-cost enemy drones.