The United Kingdom is expected to authorise the transfer of classified British technology, enabling Ukraine to produce SCALP/Storm Shadow cruise missiles on its own territory. The missiles were jointly developed by Britain and France, and the measure aims to increase Kyiv’s ability to strike targets at long range.
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France and Ukraine aim to establish a production line for SCALP missiles in Ukraine by the end of this year. In Britain, the same system is known as Storm Shadow. Removing the classified status of part of the technical information concerning British components is seen as a key element in implementing this plan.
SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles are manufactured by the European company MBDA and are designed for long-range strikes against protected targets. Ukraine has previously used such missiles, supplied by allies, including to strike targets on Russian territory.
The missile has a range of up to 550 kilometres and carries a warhead weighing around 400 kilograms. Advanced navigation and automatic target identification systems enable it to maintain accuracy throughout its flight.
The Kremlin reacted sharply to London’s decision. Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for the Russian presidency, accused Britain of “taking part in the war” and “pouring petrol on the fire”.
Britain, for its part, reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is in Kyiv on Ukraine’s Independence Day, said London would stand by Kyiv “for as long as necessary”.
The Storm Shadow production initiative comes as Ukraine seeks to significantly expand its capacity to manufacture long-range weapons.
Kyiv has also developed the FP-5 Flamingo missile, which Ukrainian authorities say can strike targets up to 3,000 kilometres away and has been used for attacks deep inside Russian territory.
However, Ukraine continues to face major shortages of defensive missiles, especially for Patriot air defence systems, at a time when Russia has intensified drone and missile attacks.
Expanding Storm Shadow production to full capacity is expected to take time. Nevertheless, the agreement between Britain and France is considered an important development in strengthening Kyiv’s military capabilities.
