Ukraine to Receive Classified Information on Long-Range Weapons

Ukraine will gain access to classified information on European-made long-range weapons, despite Russia’s objections. This move allows Kyiv to develop its own versions of the SCALP missile, utilizing British and French technology.

The British Prime Minister’s office stated that the U.K. has agreed for MBDA, a European defense company, to share technical details of British-made missile components. This decision supports Ukraine’s efforts to establish production lines within its borders.

The U.K. first provided Ukraine with the Storm Shadow missiles, equivalent to the SCALP, in 2023. France followed with similar donations. Sharing covert materials may enhance Ukraine’s capability to target Russian sites, although producing SCALP missiles domestically will take time.

Ukraine has recently increased drone attacks on Russian assets, including commercial warehouses. In response, Russia has continued missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities. Experts believe Russia aims to exploit Ukraine’s shortage of air defense systems like the Patriot missiles.

Western-manufactured weapon inventories have dwindled due to the Ukraine war and U.S. conflicts with Iran. Missile production requires long lead times, prompting factories in the U.S. and Europe to expand and meet growing weapons demand.

Russia criticized the U.K.’s decision, stating it adds “fuel to the fire” and accuses Britain of “participating” in the war. British PM Andy Burnham visited Kyiv, reaffirming the U.K.’s support for Ukraine.

Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump disappointed Kyiv by retracting his promise to share information for Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles. Trump expressed concerns that shared technology might turn against the U.S. in the future.

Although Trump initially endorsed Ukraine’s missile production during his meeting with President Zelensky at a NATO summit, he later revoked the pledge. Zelensky emphasized acquiring licenses to manufacture Patriot missiles is crucial for Ukraine.

SCALP Missiles

SCALP missiles are Anglo-French cruise missiles with a declared range of about 155 miles. Analysts suggest their range can extend to 250 miles. These missiles weigh 1,300 kilograms and are built to strike heavily fortified targets, such as bunkers.

They can be launched from various jets, including the French Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Mirage 2000s. Ukraine’s Su-24 jet fighters, originating from the Soviet era, have fired SCALP missiles. France also delivered Mirage fighter jets to Ukraine.

In September 2023, Ukraine used Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets in Sevastopol, Crimea, including a submarine. They claimed the missiles were used against other Russian sites relating to weapons manufacturing.

France has developed a variant of the SCALP missile for usage on ships and submarines.

Comparison with Russian Missiles

Russia’s Kh-69 missile is considered a comparable weapon to the SCALP and Storm Shadow. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) suggested the Kh-69 is “likely akin” to the Storm Shadow, though it’s still in testing.

Early reports indicated the Kh-69 was deployed in Ukraine in early 2024. Ukrainian media noted its use against the Trypilska thermal power plant near Kyiv in April 2024.

The Kh-69 has a range of 180 miles and is manufactured by Raduga, a Russian aerospace company. U.S. military data indicates Kh-69 is often fired alongside other weapon types.

The SCALP and Kh-69 are subsonic, flying below the speed of sound to escape radar detection. However, the Kh-69 is smaller, has a less powerful warhead, and a shorter range compared to the Storm Shadow. It is also likely less precise but cannot target moving objects.

William Alberque, previously with NATO’s nuclear non-proliferation center, noted SCALP’s advantages in range and accuracy compared to the Kh-69.