The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has invited industry feedback on a sovereign ground-launched tactical ballistic missile, dubbed Nightfall, that could be ready for trials within a year.
With an estimated unit cost of 500,000 pounds ($675,250), the mobile-launched missile is intended as a cheaper yet more capable alternative to the American MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System and the newer Precision Strike Missile.
The ministry expects potential contractors to deliver a minimum of 10 units per month, with the option to scale up to higher volumes as needed.
According to the MoD’s industry notice, the missile must be capable of striking targets beyond 600 kilometers (373 miles) while carrying a warhead of roughly 300 kilograms (661 pounds).
It should also retain limited maneuverability while following a ballistic trajectory.
Speed, Precision
A ground-based launcher should be able to fire all missiles within 15 minutes and withdraw within five minutes of firing to avoid enemy counterfire.
Moreover, the missile’s flight time should not exceed 10 minutes, with a requirement to strike within 5 meters (16.4 feet) of a designated GPS coordinate at least 50 percent of the time — a circular error probability of 5 meters.
The system must also feature a low multispectral signature, maintain performance in contested electromagnetic environments such as GPS-denied or degraded conditions, and resist spoofing and other electronic warfare threats.
Sovereign Capability
The MoD expects five all-up rounds to be ready for trials in 9 to 12 months, with a design that incorporates minimal — ideally, no — foreign government trade or usage restrictions, such as export controls.
It should be designed with upgrade potential, allowing improvements in range, accuracy, in-flight maneuverability, telemetry, and other elements as needed.
The requirement comes as the British Army pursues an upgrade and expansion of its fleet of 40 M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS).
The modernized launchers will be capable of firing the Extended-Range Guided MLRS rocket, with a range of 150 kilometers (93 miles), and the Precision Strike Missile, which can reach up to 499 kilometers (310 miles).
A sovereign tactical ballistic missile would give the UK the ability to scale MLRS munition production independently and potentially open avenues for export.
