Thousands more tank-busting missiles have been ordered to replace weapons Britain sent to Ukraine.
The devices have been vital for Ukrainian troops defending their homeland from Russian invaders.
But handing them to Kyiv meant UK stocks had run low.
The Ministry of Defence today announced a £229million deal with manufacturer Saab which will support British jobs with the firm Thales jobs.
The shoulder-launched, Next Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon, known as NLAWs, will be assembled in Belfast.
However, some of the missiles will not be delivered for four years.
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Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “These next generation light anti-tank weapons have played a decisive role in supporting Ukraine’s army to drive back Russia ’s illegal invading forces.
“Working with our first-class industry partners, we are continuing to fulfil our commitment to NATO by ensuring our Armed Forces will receive a steady supply of these weapons over the coming years, whilst supporting UK jobs across the length and breadth of the country.”
The MoD said the contract “will see several thousand units delivered to UK Armed Forces across 2024-2026, in addition to around 500 being delivered in 2023 through a separate procurement”.
Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey said: “287 days after Putin’s invasion, ministers have finally got their act together to sign a contract for restocking the NLAW anti-tank weapons which have been vital to Ukraine.
“But the first new NLAWs still won’t be delivered until two years after the invasion, and it’s not clear when the MoD will sign contracts to restock other weapons and ammunition needed for the British Army and to support Ukraine.
“With threats increasing, the Conservatives’ broken military procurement system continues to risk the delivery of the equipment our armed forces need to fight and fulfil our NATO obligations.”
