A major UK defence programme aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s long-range strike capability has developed flight-tested, low-cost weapons, with three British-designed systems completing trials just months after the project began.

The initiative, known as Project Brakestop, was launched by the Ministry of Defence’s Taskforce Kindred in November 2024 to fast-track the development of a low-cost, ground-launched strike weapon for Ukraine.

The system is designed to hit targets at distances of more than 500km while carrying a 225kg warhead, with requirements also including speeds above 600km/h and a target unit cost of around £400,000 excluding the warhead.

The programme also set a goal of producing at least 20 weapons per month once in full production.

According to the Ministry of Defence, 27 bids were received when the competition opened, before six UK firms were awarded contracts worth about £5 million each to develop prototypes for testing within seven months.

Following detailed assessments and “Dragon’s Den”-style pitches, three companies progressed to flight testing.

These firms include MBDA UK, a long-standing UK defence partner; MGI Engineering, a small UK firm with a background in Formula 1 engineering; and Rotron Aerospace, another UK SME with previous experience working with the Ministry of Defence.

Each system was tested at the MOD Hebrides Range, a specialist trials site managed by QinetiQ, as part of a rapid development process officials described as unusually fast for complex weapons systems.

Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones said the programme reflects the UK’s commitment to Ukraine and the strength of British industry.

“The UK stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine, and we will continue to provide the support it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression,” she said.

She added that Project Brakestop shows what is possible when government commitment is combined with industry innovation, noting that UK firms moved from concept to flight testing in under a year.

The Ministry of Defence said the next phase of the project is already underway, with further contracts awarded to develop improved systems, launchers and support vehicles.

Additional testing will take place in the UK in the coming months, followed by overseas trials, including in Ukraine.

Officials also confirmed that a 225kg warhead designed for the system has already been successfully developed and tested by another UK company, demonstrating its potential strike capability.

The announcement comes amid a wider week of UK support for Ukraine, including new financial and military assistance measures announced at G7 and fresh sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, military supply chains and illicit finance networks.