UK to send additional 100 Brimstone 2 anti-tank missiles to Ukraine.

On July 7, 2024, following a meeting with President Zelenskyy and discussions with his counterpart, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, Mr. Healey announced that the UK would provide a new package of support to the country, including nearly 100 precision Brimstone 2 missiles.
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 MBDA Brimstone 2 anti-tank missiles (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Brimstone missile is a UK-manufactured weapon that has played a crucial role in military operations since its introduction in 2005. Initially designed by GEC-Marconi in 1996 and produced by MBDA UK in Henlow, this missile is used by several air forces, including the Royal Air Force, the Royal Saudi Air Force, and the German Air Force. The Brimstone has been deployed in various conflicts such as Operation Telic, Operation Herrick, Operation Ellamy, Operation Shader, and more recently in the Russo-Ukrainian War.

The United Kingdom has delivered several types of Brimstone missiles to Ukraine, mainly the Brimstone 2 missiles. These missiles are equipped with advanced guidance technology, integrating semi-active laser sensors and millimeter wave radars. This combination allows the missiles to hit moving or stationary targets with high precision while minimizing collateral damage. The Brimstone 2 missiles can scan the battlefield and select their target from a pre-programmed list, excluding less important civilian vehicles and equipment.

The Brimstone 2 missiles provided by the United Kingdom to Ukraine have received very positive feedback from the Ukrainian armed forces. These missiles, which integrate advanced guidance technology combining semi-active laser sensors and millimeter wave radars, are capable of hitting moving or stationary targets with high precision while minimizing collateral damage.

In practice, the Brimstone 2 missiles have proven their effectiveness on the Ukrainian battlefield, notably by forcing Russian forces to abandon and retreat during river crossing attempts. The capability of these missiles to automatically select the most appropriate targets on the battlefield, excluding civilian vehicles and less important military equipment, has been particularly useful in limiting collateral damage and maximizing military impact.

This versatile missile is available in several variants, including single-mode, dual-mode sensor, Brimstone 2, and Brimstone 3, catering to specific battlefield needs. It is notable for its ability to be launched from the air to ground targets (air-surface) as well as from one surface to another (surface-surface), offering tactical flexibility.

The Brimstone weighs approximately 50 kg, is 1.8 meters long, and has a diameter of 180 mm. It is equipped with a 6.3 kg tandem-shaped charge warhead designed to penetrate heavy armor. It uses a solid-fuel rocket engine and can reach supersonic speeds of about 450 m/s (Mach 1.3).

Its operational range varies by version; Brimstone I can reach over 20 km when launched from a fixed-wing aircraft and 12 km from a helicopter, while Brimstone II extends this range to over 60 km for fixed-wing aircraft and over 40 km for helicopters. This extended capability allows for precise long-distance strikes.

The Defense Secretary reiterated the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine, urging all freedom-loving nations to step up their assistance. He emphasized that the current year is crucial for Ukraine's fight, calling on Western nations and their allies to increase their support to ensure Ukraine's resilience.