South Antrim MP Robin Swann has today welcomed the announcement of a £1.6billion investment into Thales Belfast for the manufacturing of missiles to assist Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled the plans on Sunday evening (2 March) to manufacture over 5,000 air defence missiles in Belfast, marking a significant boost to both Ukraine’s military capabilities and the UK’s defence industry.
The announcement came during a press conference following an international leaders’ summit in London, where European leaders gathered to discuss strategies to support Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.
The £1.6 billion deal, funded through UK Export Finance, will see the missiles produced in Belfast, creating jobs in what Starmer described as “our brilliant defence sector.”
The Ulster Unionist MP welcomed the announcement, saying:
“This is a very welcome announcement which will not only act as a great boost to the defence industry in Northern Ireland, but also the wider local economy with the creation of 200 new jobs. This investment also symbolises and cements our unwavering support for Ukraine.
“Last week I made clear to the Prime Minister on the floor of the Commons that Northern Ireland has a vital role to play in the defence industry and that this place offers a wealth of expertise and manufacturing capabilities.
“I’m pleased that the Prime Minister agreed and asked the Secretary of State for Defence John Healy MP to meet with me. I look forward to meeting the Defence Secretary this evening to discuss the role Northern Ireland has to play in supporting Ukraine and our own national defence, as well as the strategic opportunities that Aldergrove offers.
“Last week I also submitted a paper to the Ministry of Defence presenting the argument for significant investment in Northern Ireland’s defences, and our defence industry. This included a call for large scale orders and investment into Thales in Belfast. I warmly welcome the government's decision to do just that, and I look forward to meeting with the Defence Secretary this evening.”
It is expected 200 new jobs will be created and hundreds more supported at one of the UK’s leading defence manufacturers.
The latest measures in the UK’s support for Ukraine to achieve peace through strength, the deal will also provide a major boost to the UK economy and support 700 existing jobs at Thales in Belfast, which will manufacture more than 5,000 lightweight-multirole missiles (LMM) for Ukraine’s defence.