Ukraine’s Acquisition of Long-Range Missile Information Amid Russian Protests

Ukraine will gain access to classified information regarding European-made long-range weapons, despite Russian objections. This development paves the way for Kyiv to potentially develop its own versions of the SCALP missile using British and French technology. The office of British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that London has agreed to allow European defense company MBDA, which produces these missiles, to share specific details about British components. This move aims to assist Ukraine in setting up production lines within the conflict-stricken country.

The United Kingdom initially supplied Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles in 2023, which are equivalent to the SCALP missiles produced by France. France subsequently donated its own missiles. The sharing of previously confidential materials could enhance Ukraine’s arsenal, enabling it to strike deeper into Russian territory. However, experts suggest that it could take years for Ukraine to commence the production of SCALP missiles domestically.

Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone attacks on Russian targets, including commercial warehouses, while Russia continues to bombard Ukrainian cities with missile and drone strikes. Analysts indicate that Moscow is capitalizing on Kyiv’s acute shortage of air defense interceptors, such as those fired by the U.S.-made Patriot system.

Global stocks of Western-manufactured weapons, which are critical for targeting distant enemy sites as well as defending against advanced attacks, have been depleted due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict and tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Advanced missiles require long lead times for production, and factories across the U.S. and Europe have begun increasing their production capacity to meet the rising demand.

Russia has criticized the decision, stating it will escalate tensions and equates to the U.K.’s involvement in the war. Prime Minister Burnham, who visited Kyiv on Ukraine’s independence day, reaffirmed the U.K.’s unwavering support despite Russia’s threats.

In a separate development, President Donald Trump frustrated Kyiv by retracting his commitment to provide information necessary for Ukraine to independently produce Patriot interceptor missiles. He cited the difficulty of sharing technology, mentioning risks associated with future use by recipients. Earlier, during a NATO summit in Turkey, Trump had assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of a licensing deal for Patriot production. Zelensky emphasized the importance of securing licenses for manufacturing Patriot missiles domestically.

Understanding SCALP Missiles

Anglo-French cruise missiles have a declared range of around 155 miles, although some analysts claim they can reach up to 250 miles. Weighing 1,300 kilograms, these missiles are designed to target fortified structures like bunkers, presenting challenges for drones currently used by Ukraine to attack Russian warehouses and oil refineries.

SCALP missiles can be deployed from various aircraft, including the French Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, or Mirage 2000s. Ukraine has launched SCALP missiles using its Soviet-era Su-24s, and has received Mirage fighter jets from France.

Ukraine has deployed Storm Shadow missiles in high-profile strikes, such as the September 2023 attack on a Russian submarine in Sevastopol, Crimea, and other assaults on Russian sites involved in weapon production. France has also developed a SCALP variant for deployment on its naval vessels.

Comparisons With Russian Missiles

Russia’s Kh-69 missile is often compared to the SCALP and Storm Shadow missiles. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Kh-69 is similar to the Storm Shadow, yet remains in the testing phase. Ukrainian reports indicate its first operational use in early 2024.

Manufactured by Raduga, the Kh-69 has a range of 290 kilometers, or 180 miles. Russian forces reportedly used Kh-69 missiles to destroy the Trypilska thermal power plant near Kyiv in April 2024. The Kh-69 is generally employed alongside other weapons, and Ukrainian military reports sometimes merge its data with the Kh-59 due to visual similarities.

Both SCALP and Kh-69 missiles are subsonic, flying slower than sound speed. They operate low to evade radar detection, essential for air defenses. The Kh-69, however, is smaller and possesses a reduced range and warhead size compared to the Storm Shadow, which potentially compromises its accuracy. Analyst William Alberque notes that neither missile is effectively suited for engaging moving targets.

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