Britain’s giving Ukraine access to secret missile technology. Will it make a difference?
Britain will allow the release of classified technology so that a British/French-designed cruise missile can be manufactured in Ukraine, a boost for Kyiv in its efforts to bring more firepower to bear hundreds of kilometers into Russia. Paris and Kyiv want to set up a Ukrainian production line for the SCALP air-launched cruise missile, known … The post Britain’s giving Ukraine access to secret…
Britain has granted Ukraine permission to access secret missile technology, potentially enhancing the Ukrainian military's capabilities in its ongoing conflict against Russia. A French-designed cruise missile, known as the SCALP air-launched cruise missile, will be manufactured in Ukraine by the end of the year, according to a declassification of information on British-made components of these missiles.
The SCALP is a long-range, deep-strike weapon with a maximum range of 550 kilometers (342 miles) and a high-explosive penetrating warhead weighing 400 kilograms (880 pounds). Powered by a turbojet engine, it utilizes advanced navigation and targeting systems for high accuracy in all weather conditions. This missile can be fired from Ukraine's Su-24 or Mirage 2000 fighter jets and is designed to strike buried military targets, such as command bunkers, more effectively than the drones currently used by Ukraine.
While the UK has not disclosed the exact number of missiles supplied to Ukraine, France's Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu has praised the missile's effectiveness in modern high-intensity combat. Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham reaffirmed the country's support for Ukraine, stating that the UK will stand by Ukraine "for as long as it takes" to ensure its security.
However, the SCALP does not address Ukraine's current shortage of defensive missiles, such as the US-designed Patriot system. Despite setbacks in recent weeks, Ukraine has asked for permission to manufacture Patriot interceptors domestically, an idea initially supported by US President Donald Trump but later abandoned. The US administration has also resisted Ukraine's requests for long-range US Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Nonetheless, Ukraine's domestic missile production has not stagnated and remains an area of focus for the nation.
Written by urgent.news from Egypt Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 2 other outlets
- UK to share classified SCALP missile blueprints with Ukraine, paving way for domestic production kyivindependent.com
- Kremlin says British missile help for Ukraine ‘adds fuel to the fire’ freemalaysiatoday.com
