Starmer to unveil long-range missile deal as he meets leaders at Nato summit

The UK is set to lead a multi-billion pound European drive to build the next generation of long-range missiles. 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to unveil a £37bn ($50bn) commitment alongside a dozen European allies to build weapons capable of striking targets up to 2,000km away with pinpoint accuracy. 

The announcement was made as Sir Keir prepares for a meeting of Nato's North Atlantic Council in Ankara. 

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'Deep precision strike' missiles 

The so-called "deep precision strike" missiles, including the British-made Storm Shadow, have proved crucial in the Ukraine war, allowing Kyiv to hit targets far beyond the frontline. 

The European plan brings together several projects, including a joint UK-German effort to develop hypersonic long-range missiles and work with Italy and France on the Stratus missile. Baltic nations are also expected to participate. 

"We are building the weapons of the future to keep the UK and Nato secure for decades to come, backed by billions of pounds and working with our closest European allies," Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said.

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which was published last week, saw the government put £3bn towards deep precision strike weapons by 2030. 

Officials have said that move would prevent duplication among allies, with nations working on different types of missiles. 

Sir Keir said the UK was already working with allies to develop high-end missiles, but added this commitment would "allow for us to step our cooperation, bringing European allies together to ensure Nato remains safe and secure for years to come". 

Sir Keir's last summit as PM 

While the main part of the summit takes place, Sir Keir spent yesterday meeting fellow world leaders in what is likely to be his last major international engagement as Prime Minister. 

In the British ambassador's residence in the Turkish capital, Sir Keir and his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten signed a maritime partnership that will see the UK and the Netherlands cooperate on building amphibious transport ships. 

As confirmed in the DIP, the agreement will see each country operate four ships that can carry troops, vehicles and equipment, including long-range drones. 

After the main summit meeting, Sir Keir is also expected to meet Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan to sign a defence cooperation agreement between the UK and Turkey.