Britain’s giving Ukraine access to secret missile technology. Will it make a difference?

Britain is set to provide Ukraine with access to classified technology, enabling the country to manufacture the British/French-designed SCALP air-launched cruise missile, known as Storm Shadow in the UK. This significant step aims to enhance Ukraine's firepower and its ability to strike targets hundreds of kilometers inside Russian territory.

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Supplied to Ukraine, the Franco-British SCALP/Storm Shadow missile has demonstrated its effectiveness in modern high-intensity combat, in decisive situations.

Paris and Kyiv are collaborating to establish a Ukrainian production line for the missile by the end of the year. The declassification of information regarding British-made components, announced Monday, is crucial for achieving this goal. The SCALP missile, developed by European arms manufacturer MBDA, is a long-range, deep-strike weapon that Ukraine has already successfully employed against hardened targets using imported versions.

With a range of up to 550 kilometers and capable of carrying a 400-kilogram warhead, the SCALP uses advanced navigation systems for high accuracy in various weather conditions. It is designed to fly low, hugging terrain to evade air defenses. Ukraine intends to use it for striking buried military installations, a capability that complements the use of drones against more exposed targets like oil refineries.

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The Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes.

While the exact number of missiles supplied remains undisclosed, MBDA reactivated production lines in 2025. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, visiting Kyiv for Ukraine's independence day, emphasized London's unwavering support. "The Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes," Burnham stated, highlighting that "Ukraine's security is our security." He will also co-chair a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, an international alliance supporting Ukraine.

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Ukraine’s security is our security.