Discreet delivery of UK's Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine
Ukraine may possess an even larger number of Western missiles, which it can use to conduct strikes deep into Russia. According to Bloomberg, citing its sources, Kyiv is believed to have received a new batch of conventional, tactical, long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles from the United Kingdom.
According to Bloomberg, this is the first such transfer since Keir Starmer took the position of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The deliveries of Storm Shadow missiles, which were not publicly disclosed, were reportedly conducted a few weeks ago. The exact number of missiles involved is unknown.
Storm Shadow for Ukraine
However, Bloomberg notes that the transfer was made before the United States and the United Kingdom announced that they would allow long-range weapon attacks deep into Russian territory. The British Ministry of Defence refused to comment on these reports for security reasons, the service reports.
The additional Storm Shadow missiles, conventional, tactical long-range cruise missiles carried by aircraft and characterized by low detectability, may significantly strengthen Ukraine. Kyiv has already conducted its first attack on Russian territory using this weapon. As reported by Reuters, this occurred on November 20, at around 6:00 PM Eastern Time. Ukraine reportedly launched about 10 Storm Shadow cruise missiles towards Russia. Photos allegedly showing remains of Western missiles appeared on social media.
Storm Shadow, weighing approximately 1,300 kilograms and measuring 5.1 metres long, was designed for effective attacks on strategic targets, such as air bases, communication centres, ports, or underground facilities. Equipped with a BROACH warhead weighing around 450 kilograms, the missile can penetrate 2–4 metres of reinforced concrete. Thanks to the Turbomeca Microturbo TRI 60-30 turbojet engine (with 550 kilograms of thrust), it can reach speeds of 1,000 kilometres per hour and hit targets at a range of 250 to 400 kilometres, regardless of weather conditions or time of day.
Storm Shadow belongs to the category of "fire and forget" missiles. Once the target is programmed and the missile launches, it requires no further control, making it exceptionally effective. Accurate targeting is ensured by an inertial navigation system, GPS, TERPROM (terrain profile matching), and a guidance head. The missile travels at low altitudes, about 40 to 150 metres above the ground, making it difficult to detect. The margin of error is just 1 to 3 metres.
Before the final attack, Storm Shadow releases a high-resolution thermal imaging camera to confirm the target. It then ascends to the appropriate altitude to strike with maximum effectiveness. The BROACH warhead plays a key role. Its precursor burns a hole in the target, allowing the main part of the warhead to destroy the object.
