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UK Secretly Sends Dozens of Storm Shadow Missiles to Ukraine for First Time Under New Prime Minister.
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.
In October 2024, Ukraine successfully modified its Soviet-era Su-24 bombers to carry and launch Franco-British SCALP-EG/Storm Shadow air-to-surface cruise missiles. (Picture source: X Account French Aid to Ukraine)
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.
The missile features a BROACH warhead specifically engineered to penetrate heavily fortified targets such as bunkers or buried command centers. Proven effective in conflicts like Iraq and Libya, it has demonstrated its ability to neutralize critical infrastructure with remarkable precision. Compatible with platforms such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, and Mirage 2000, the Storm Shadow/SCALP remains a strategic asset in modern arsenals, combining range, power, and accuracy for high-impact strikes.
According to US and UK officials, these decisions were expedited by geopolitical developments, including the deployment of North Korean troops by Russia. They are also aimed at strengthening Ukraine's position ahead of potential negotiations next year, as US President-elect Donald Trump has stated his intent to end the conflict quickly. Thus, these deliveries align with both immediate military needs and a broader political strategy to secure tactical advantages for Kyiv.
Screenshot of the video showing the Storm Shadow/Scalp Missiles firing from a Ukrainian SU-24 (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)
On November 20, 2024, Ukraine reportedly used Storm Shadow missiles for the first time against targets on Russian territory. While neither the British government nor Ukrainian officials have officially confirmed this use, fragments identified as parts of a Storm Shadow missile were found in the Kursk region. During the G20 summit in Brazil on November 20, Keir Starmer reaffirmed his government's commitment to Ukraine, stating his intention to "double down" on support for the country, though without elaborating on specific measures. This new shipment of Storm Shadow missiles is a tangible example of that commitment.
Ukrainian armed forces employ the Storm Shadow missiles primarily on Su-24 combat aircraft, which have been modified to be compatible with these long-range cruise missiles. Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov confirmed this integration with a photo showing a Su-24MR equipped with two Storm Shadow missiles on its internal pylons. To facilitate this adaptation, parts from decommissioned Tornado GR4 aircraft were used. Discussions have taken place regarding adapting these missiles to other platforms such as the MiG-29, but no successful integration has been confirmed. With the expected delivery of Rafale fighter jets, Ukraine will gain another platform capable of deploying Storm Shadow missiles effectively.
This recent delivery continues the UK's longstanding military support for Ukraine, though the Ministry of Defense has not disclosed the total number of missiles provided since the start of the conflict. The last public confirmation of such a delivery dates back to April, under the Rishi Sunak administration. At that time, the missiles had already been successfully deployed against Russian targets in the Black Sea, showcasing their operational effectiveness.
This new delivery of Storm Shadow missiles reflects the UK’s strengthened commitment to supporting Ukraine in a protracted conflict. While this assistance is significant, Ukraine’s defense needs remain extensive, requiring a substantial stockpile of missiles to meet ongoing operational demands. Ukraine uses Storm Shadow missiles to target strategic military infrastructure both on its own territory and in Russian-controlled areas.
These targets include ammunition depots, command centers, logistics facilities, and critical bridges for Russian resupply routes. For instance, on June 22, 2023, a missile struck the Chongar Bridge connecting Crimea to mainland Ukraine, disrupting Russian supply lines. Strikes have also hit industrial sites in Luhansk, demonstrating the missiles’ capability to reach deep targets. These operations aim to weaken Russia's offensive and logistical capabilities, which are crucial to slowing its advances amid major offensives in Kursk and southern Ukraine.