Ukraine’s Access to Classified Information
Ukraine is set to receive crucial classified information regarding European-made long-range weapons. This move, despite Russia’s objections, will enable Kyiv to develop its own version of the SCALP missile. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that London will permit MBDA, the European defense giant, to share specific details on British components. This is intended to assist Ukraine in establishing production lines within its borders.
Provision of Missiles by the United Kingdom and France
In 2023, the United Kingdom provided Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles, which are equivalent to the SCALP. France quickly followed with its own donations. By sharing previously secret materials, Ukraine could eventually enhance its arsenal, allowing it to strike deeper into Russian territory. However, it will likely take years for the country to produce its own SCALP missiles domestically.
Recently, Ukraine has increased long-range drone strikes against Russian sites, as Russia continues to attack Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones. This intensification highlights Kyiv’s shortage of air defense interceptors, such as the U.S.-made Patriot system.
Impact on Global Weapons Stock
The prolonged conflict in Ukraine, alongside tensions with Iran, has depleted global stocks of Western-manufactured weapons. Both offensive and defensive capabilities are affected. Advanced missiles have long production times, and factories in the U.S. and Europe are preparing for expanded production to meet growing demand.
Reactions and Political Implications
Russia criticized the decision, stating it added “fuel to the fire” and equated to the U.K. participating in the war. During a visit to Kyiv coinciding with Ukraine’s independence day, Burnham reiterated the U.K.’s support for Ukraine. However, U.S. President Donald Trump recently disappointed Kyiv by retracting his promise to share Patriot interceptor missile technology. Emphasizing the sensitivity of such technology, Trump expressed concerns about it potentially being turned against the U.S. in the future.
Previously, at a NATO summit, Trump suggested he would allow Ukraine to produce Patriots, a claim supported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ukraine prioritizes securing licenses for local Patriot missile production to reduce dependency on foreign supplies.
Details of SCALP Missiles
The Anglo-French SCALP missile has a stated range of 155 miles, potentially reaching up to 250 miles. Weighing 1,300 kilograms, it targets “hardened” sites, unlike drones. SCALP missiles are compatible with various jets, including the French Rafale and Ukraine’s Su-24s, the latter having previously launched SCALP missiles. Ukraine employed Storm Shadow missiles in an attack on a Russian submarine in Sevastopol in September 2023.
France also developed a version of the SCALP for deployment on ships and submarines.
Comparison with Russian Missiles
Russia’s Kh-69 is considered a close match to the SCALP and Storm Shadow. Experts from the International Institute for Strategic Studies indicated the Kh-69’s similarity to the Storm Shadow. Although initially in the testing phase, the Kh-69 was first used in Ukraine in early 2024.
With a range of 180 miles, the Kh-69 was reportedly used to destroy the Trypilska thermal power plant near Kyiv in April 2024. It is often deployed in conjunction with other weapons. The Kh-69 is subsonic, flying slower than the speed of sound, similar to the SCALP, aiming to evade radar detection.
The Kh-69 features a smaller warhead and shorter range than the Storm Shadow, according to William Alberque, a former head at NATO’s nuclear non-proliferation center. While it may be less accurate, neither missile is suited for targeting moving objects. “I’d much rather have the range and accuracy of Storm Shadow,” Alberque added.