NLAW supply can't keep up with demand, Defence Secretary says

The production of one of the weapons most crucial to Ukraine's invasion defence so far can't keep up with its increased demand, the Defence Secretary has said.

The NLAW (Next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon) is a line of sight, fire and forget system that has been used by Ukrainian forces fighting Russian heavy armour.

Britain has sent more than 5,000 of the systems to Ukraine and they have proved to be very effective.

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One minister even said Ukrainian forces have been shouting 'God Save the Queen' when firing the weapon.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace says the issue now lies in whether enough of the British-Swedish weapons can be built in Belfast.

"Everybody loves the NLAW," Mr Wallace told the Defence Committee on Tuesday.

"You can imagine how many countries are now interested in buying the United Kingdom NLAW, even though it's a joint venture.

"Not surprisingly, that supply chain simply has not been there."

The Defence Secretary said certain "prime" suppliers move at a constant pace and simply "bank" large orders, rather than increasing production line investment.

Armoured vehicles, anti-aircraft systems and Brimstone missiles also feature in British contributions to Ukraine since Russia's cross-border offensive in February.

Recent weeks have seen widespread concern over the UK's strategy to replace weapon stockpiles provided to Ukraine, with the head of the Armed Forces stating it could take years to restore levels.

In June, Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said the Government needed to work with defence suppliers on the matter.

But he added: "We are then talking in years because you cannot whistle up with modern weapons a quick production line.

"Yes, you can churn out shells and artillery, but even at the not super-sophisticated end, even at the modest end of an NLAW (anti-tank) weapon, then that's going to take several years to get back to our original stocks."