Ukrainian strikes intensify with secret UK missile supply
Ukraine may possess a 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.
9:02 AM EST, November 26, 2024
This is reportedly the first such transfer since Keir Starmer assumed the position of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. A few weeks ago, the deliveries of Storm Shadow missiles, which were not publicly disclosed, were conducted. The exact number of missiles involved is unknown.
Storm Shadow for Ukraine
However, Bloomberg notes that the transfer happened before the United States and the United Kingdom announced permission for long-range weapon attacks deep into Russian territory. According to the service, the British Ministry of Defense declined to comment on these reports for security reasons.
The additional Storm Shadow missiles—conventional, tactical long-range cruise missiles carried by aircraft with 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 around 10 Storm Shadow cruise missiles towards Russia. Social media even showed photos of alleged remains of Western missiles.
Storm Shadow, weighing about 2,866 pounds and measuring 16 feet 9 inches long, is designed for effective attacks on strategic targets, such as air bases, communication centers, ports, or underground facilities. Equipped with a BROACH warhead weighing about 992 pounds, the missile can penetrate even 7-13 feet of reinforced concrete. Thanks to the Turbomeca Microturbo TRI 60-30 turbojet engine (with 1,215 pounds of thrust), it can reach speeds of 621 mph and hit targets at a range of 155 to 248 miles, 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 131 to 492 feet above the ground, making it difficult to detect. The margin of error is just 3-10 feet.
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.
