Britain Prohibits Ukraine from Using Supplied “Storm Shadow” Missiles to Attack Russian Territories

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Britain still does not permit the air-launched cruise missiles (ALCM) “Storm Shadow” it supplies to Ukraine to be used for attacks on Russian territories.

Currently, Britain only allows these missiles to be used against Russian military positions within Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia.

 Britain is concerned that allowing Ukraine to use “Storm Shadow” missiles to directly attack Russia could escalate the conflict and potentially draw Britain into it.

Luke Pollard, Britain’s Deputy Secretary of State for Defence, recently reaffirmed that the country’s policy on the “Storm Shadow” missiles remains unchanged.

According to Pollard, Britain continues to supply weapons to support Ukraine’s right to self-defense, and these weapons are intended solely for defensive purposes.

 

Clarification on the use of “Storm Shadow” missiles became necessary after reports that the new British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, reportedly had authorized Ukraine to use the missiles against Russian military assets within Russia.

However, the British Ministry of Defence responded by calling Starmer’s statement “diplomatically embarrassing” and clarified that the use of “Storm Shadow” missiles is only permitted against Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia, such as Crimea.

Britain’s policy aims to prevent the conflict with Russia from escalating further.

The “Storm Shadow” missile is a long-range air-launched cruise missile developed in a collaborative effort by the United Kingdom, France, and Italy.

 Also known as SCALP EG (Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée – Emploi Général), the missile was developed by the European defense firm MBDA.

 

It is designed to strike high-value targets and fortified structures, such as underground bunkers, command centers, and military infrastructure.

Development of the missile system began in the early 1990s, and it was designed to be a long-range, stand-off weapon system that could be launched from aircraft against strategic targets while keeping the aircraft outside the range of enemy air defenses.

The “Storm Shadow” missile has a range of 560 km (300 nautical miles), allowing it to target strategic objectives.

Currently, the missile is in service with several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, all of which operate Tornado, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Rafale fighter jets.

Each “Storm Shadow” missile weighs 1.3 tons and measures 5.10 meters in length.

It is powered by a Turbomeca Microturbo TRI 60-30 turbojet propulsion system, which enables it to reach its target with high speed and precision.

 

The missile’s navigation system is guided by INS (Inertial Navigation System), GPS (Global Positioning System), and Terrain Reference Navigation, ensuring a high degree of accuracy.

 Its warhead is designed for maximum destruction, featuring a two-stage BROACH (Bomb Royal Ordnance Augmented Charge) warhead that combines blast and penetration capabilities.

Upon launch, the missile is pre-loaded with comprehensive data and information about the target and trajectory to ensure it reaches its destination.

Once launched from its carrier aircraft, the “Storm Shadow” missile uses its autonomous navigation system to reach its target.

The BROACH warhead operates in two stages: the first stage detonates to breach the target’s surface, followed by the second stage, which penetrates deeper into the target before detonating a few seconds after the initial explosion. — DSA