Brimstone 2: The laser-guided missile system UK is providing to Ukraine

The UK is supplying Ukraine's armed forces with the precision-guided Brimstone 2 missiles – a significantly upgraded and more capable ground or air-launched ground attack missile than the older Brimstone 1 system.

Brimstone 2 missiles, which have been seen readied for transportation by 99 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, feature a system that can select its own target from a pre-programmed list, with a high-frequency wave radar, and the ability to track a laser fired by soldiers, vehicles or aircraft to hone in on a target.

The new version's guidance system is understood to be vastly improved since Brimstone 1 to locate challenging targets such as anything obscured by right angles or that can only been seen from an odd angle.

It is also said to have a greater range than the earlier version, with reports that it can reach a target at 40km from, say, a helicopter, or up to 60km, from other aircraft.

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This is part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) aid package that has "played a crucial role in stalling Russian advancements".

Brimstone is a precision-guided missile that was originally designed for use by aircraft for air-to-air ground strikes.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed in April that the Brimstone missiles sent by the UK to Ukraine "will be used over the ground" – as while the initial Brimstone system was designed to be launched from the air, Ukraine is reported to have developed its own truck-mounted Brimstone launcher.

It is understood the missile, which costs roughly £175,000, is being sent to an undisclosed airfield.

Brimstone missiles have been used by the RAF on aircraft like the Typhoon and can hit targets, including ground vehicles and sea vessels, according to manufacturer MBDA.

Brimstone can be used with extreme precision in densely populated regions when guided by a laser fired by friendly soldiers, reducing the possibility of collateral damage among civilians.

This news followed defence minister James Heappey's confirmation that the UK would be providing Brimstone missiles to Ukraine.

Defence analyst Paul Beaver told Forces News Brimstone missiles can be "very effective" fired from land.

Ukrainian group forces, according to the MOD, are "successfully using the missile to attack targets such as armoured vehicles and tanks".