The UK will acquire six new missile systems to strengthen air defense in NATO's east

The United Kingdom has signed a contract with the multinational European arms company MBDA to purchase six new Land Ceptor air defense systems, Bloomberg reported.

The move will allow the UK to strengthen its air defense capabilities. The order includes six complexes containing so-called modular anti-aircraft missiles capable of hitting an object the size of a tennis ball traveling at twice the speed of sound, as well as launchers and support vehicles.

The contract itself is for three years and worth £118 million ($159 million).

The new missiles are expected to be part of the Sky Sabre air defense system deployed in Poland on NATO's eastern flank. The new air defense systems are intended to improve logistical cover for weapons supplies to Ukraine.

Land Ceptor systems are designed to counter fighter jets, drones, cruise missiles and other aerial threats. Each Land Ceptor is capable of simultaneously guiding 24 missiles to intercept individual targets.

"Doubling our deployable Sky Sabre capability will strengthen the UK’s air defenses, protect UK forces abroad, and deter our adversaries," said UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard.

Earlier, it was reported about a long-term agreement between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, which provides for the supply of 5,000 Thales anti-aircraft missiles. These missiles are planned to be produced over a period of 19 years.