Storm Shadow setback: UK denies Ukraine missile use in Kursk offensive
As The Telegraph has established, the British government has not consented to Ukraine's use of Storm Shadow missiles in the Kursk offensive. The Ukrainians wanted to use these missiles to attack airfields and logistics centres deep within Russia. A weapon with a range of about 250 kilometres could weaken the Russians' ability to strengthen their positions in Kursk.
According to The Telegraph, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky exerted pressure on the United Kingdom to allow missile attacks deep into Russian territory, arguing that a cross-border attack by his army could drive Vladimir Putin from power. However, the British disagreed that the Ukrainian military should use the Storm Shadow missiles this way. According to The Telegraph, Kyiv also approached Washington with a request for permission to use ATACMS missiles, but this was also not positively considered.
Storm Shadow - Missiles that could cause significant disruption
The British daily's service reminds that "The position on how Storm Shadow missiles are used is not just the UK Government’s to make, since the missile is manufactured with France, meaning Paris also has a say on conditions." The Ukrainians hoped that with their help, they could attack airports or logistical points deep in Russia, far from the front line.
Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG missiles are conventional, long-range tactical cruise missiles carried by aircraft produced by the European defence company MBDA. They have a mass of 1300 kilograms, of which 450 kilograms is the mass of the warhead and a length of over 5 metres. The Storm Shadow uses a Turbomeca Microturbo TRI 60-30 turbojet engine with a thrust of 5440 newtons. Thanks to these, the missile can travel at a speed of 1000 kilometres per hour. Its range is estimated at over 250 kilometres.
Storm Shadow is equipped with GPS navigation systems and terrain-following capabilities. Additionally, it is adapted for low flight, making it effective at avoiding obstacles and difficult to shoot down. The missiles are effective during precise attacks on air bases, important communication hubs, or port facilities.
