The Thales missile factory in Belfast is to supply 5,000 air defence missiles to Ukraine, the Prime Minister has announced. The deal is worth up to £1.6bn and will involve recruiting 200 additional staff. Thales is a French-owned company which one of Europe's biggest arms manufacturers.

The North’s First Minister has said she is “incredulous” at a large order for a Belfast plant to supply missiles for Ukraine. The Thales plant in east Belfast is to supply 5,000 air defence missiles to Ukraine in a deal worth up to £1.

The new contract, initially valued at £1.16bn with potential extensions up to £500m, will see Thales Northern Ireland working alongside a Ukrainian industry partner.