The United Kingdom has secretly delivered dozens of Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine, marking the first such assistance under the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This delivery reportedly took place before the United States authorized Ukraine to strike Russian territory. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, these long-range missiles were sent after Ukrainian stockpiles reached critical levels. Although the exact date of delivery and the precise number of missiles remain confidential for security reasons, the operation underscores the importance of maintaining Ukraine’s military capabilities in the face of ongoing challenges.
The deliveries were made before the UK and the US lifted restrictions on using these weapons against targets on Russian soil. This strategic shift has enabled Ukraine to employ Storm Shadow missiles in recent strikes inside Russia, including an attack on a military facility in the Bryansk region. This development, combined with the use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles, highlights the evolving defense strategies of Ukraine, bolstered by its Western allies seeking to strengthen Kyiv’s position in the conflict.
The Storm Shadow/SCALP missile, jointly developed by MBDA for the UK and France, is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile designed for precision strikes at significant distances. It has a range of 560 kilometers, allowing the carrier aircraft to operate beyond the reach of enemy defenses. The missile’s design incorporates optimized aerodynamics and a reduced radar signature, enhancing its stealth and effectiveness. Powered by a Microturbo TRI 60-30 turbojet engine, it can maintain speeds close to Mach 0.8. Its advanced guidance system integrates GPS, inertial navigation, and terrain-following capabilities for accurate strikes even under adverse weather conditions or electronic interference.