The British Army is boosting its missile stockpiles amid Ukraine peace talks.

The Ministry of Defence said that it has bought more air defence missile systems with the capability to shoot down cruise missiles and drones.

The £118m move will double the number of British-made Land Ceptor systems available to the Army, deployable both in the UK and overseas.

It comes as Europe continues to push for security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow.

The new equipment will form part of Sky Sabre, a state-of-the-art defence system that can intercept munitions and aircraft that replaces the Rapier system which had run since the 1970s.

The medium range air defence (MRAD) system will be made by manufacturer MBDA in Bolton. The Government said 140 jobs will be supported by the move.

Luke Pollard, a defence minister, said: “We are delivering on the strategic defence review by equipping our Armed Forces with state-of-the-art equipment to help keep us safe.

“Doubling our deployable Sky Sabre capability will strengthen the UK’s air defences, protect UK forces abroad and deter our adversaries.

“Through this investment, we are supporting over 100 jobs across the UK, with more to come.”

The Land Ceptor systems are able to hit a tennis-ball sized object which is travelling at twice the speed of sound.