Ukraine Gains Access to European Military Technology

Ukraine is set to receive critical information on European-made long-range weapons, despite objections from Russia. This information will enable Ukraine to develop its own version of the SCALP missile, leveraging British and French technology. The British government’s decision allows European defense company MBDA to share specific details about British components to help Ukraine set up production lines within the country.

The United Kingdom provided Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine, a British equivalent of the SCALP, in 2023. France followed by donating its own missiles. The transfer of secret data could enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory, though building domestically produced SCALP missiles will take time.

Recently, Ukraine has stepped up drone strikes on Russian targets, including commercial warehouses, as it faces heavy missile and drone attacks from Russia. Experts suggest Russia aims to exploit Ukraine’s immediate shortage of air defense systems like the US-made Patriot missiles.

Global stocks of Western weaponry have been depleted by conflicts involving Ukraine and the US. The production of advanced missiles requires long lead times, so manufacturers in the US and Europe are preparing to increase production capacities.

Russia responded critically on Monday, claiming the move adds “fuel to the fire” and represents the UK’s “participation” in the conflict. During his visit to Kyiv on Ukraine’s independence day, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham affirmed continued UK support for Ukraine, ignoring Russia’s “outrageous threats.”

Last month, US President Donald Trump caused frustration in Kyiv by retracting his promise to share information that would allow Ukraine to produce its own Patriot interceptor missiles. Trump cited concerns about potential future misuse of the technology. In a previous statement at a NATO summit, he seemed open to granting Ukraine a license for this production.

According to Ukrainian officials, acquiring the technology to produce Patriot missiles domestically remains a top priority.

What Are SCALP Missiles?

The SCALP missile, of Anglo-French origin, has a stated range of 155 miles, but analysts believe it can travel up to 250 miles. Weighing 1,300 kilograms, it’s designed to target fortified structures like bunkers, which are difficult for current Ukrainian drones to strike.

SCALP missiles can be launched from various jets, including the French Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, or Mirage 2000. Ukraine’s use of Soviet-era Su-24s to fire SCALP missiles has been observed, and the country has received Mirage jets from France.

Ukraine has employed Storm Shadow missiles to target Russian assets, such as a submarine in Sevastopol in September 2023, and various sites involved in Russian weapons production.

France also developed a maritime version of the SCALP for deployment on ships and submarines.

Comparison to Russian Missiles

Russia’s Kh-69 missile is viewed as a counterpart to the Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles. Although the Kh-69 was still in testing in 2023, Ukrainian media reported its use in early 2024.

Manufactured by Raduga, the Kh-69 boasts a range of 180 miles and was reportedly used to attack the Trypilska power plant near Kyiv in April 2024. US military data suggests it’s used alongside other weapons in attacks.

Both the SCALP and Kh-69 are subsonic, flying below the speed of sound and maintaining a low altitude to avoid radar detection. However, the Kh-69 is smaller, with a reduced warhead and range compared to the Storm Shadow, making it less accurate.

William Alberque, formerly of NATO’s nuclear non-proliferation center, emphasized the preference for the Storm Shadow’s range and accuracy despite neither missile’s ability to hit moving targets.