Britain is set to 'put leading edge weapons into the hands of Ukrainians' with powerful long-range ballistic missiles that can destroy Russian targets more than 300 miles away. 

Nightfall rockets - which are packed with 200kg warheads, can be fired in quick succession and reach as far as Moscow - could prove a valuable asset in Volodymyr Zelensky's ongoing fight against Vladimir Putin's forces.

Now British firms are being sought by the Ministry of Defence to design, develop and deliver the first three test missiles in a contract worth £9million. 

Hailing the potential of the new weapon, Defence Secretary John Healey told The Sun: 'You defend your cities by having layers of defence and you partly defend by being able to attack.'

The Labour minister made the comments while on a visit to Kyiv - and just moments after narrowly avoiding a Russian missile and drone attack in the area on Thursday, which killed four people. 

Describing how the train he was travelling on was forced to make an emergency stop, he said:  'It was a serious moment and a stark reminder of the barrage of drones and missiles hitting Ukrainians in sub-zero conditions.

'We won't stand for this and are determined to put leading edge weapons into the hands of Ukrainians as they fight back.'

The announcement of the Nightall project comes as the Defence Secretary also revealed the UK will spend £200 million preparing British troops for deployment to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia.

The Defence Secretary has said Nightfall missiles will 'put leading edge weapons into the hands of Ukrainians'. Pictured: Volodymyr Zelensky meets with John Healey, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine on January 9

Nightfall rockets are packed with 200kg warheads, can be fired in quick succession and reach as far as Moscow

British firms are being sought by the Ministry of Defence to design, develop and deliver the first three test missiles in a contract worth £9million

John Healey was on a visit to Ukriane to discuss plans for the Multinational Force Ukraine with President Zelensky.

The money will pay for upgrades to vehicles and communications systems, counter-drone protection, and other equipment to ensure troops are ready to deploy.

Healey said: 'We are surging investment into our preparations following the Prime Minister's announcement this week, ensuring that Britain's armed forces are ready to deploy, and lead, the Multinational Force Ukraine, because a secure Ukraine means a secure UK.'