UK Approves Transfer of Storm Shadow Technology to Ukraine

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved the transfer of classified technology for the Storm Shadow cruise missile to Ukraine.

Speaking in Kyiv on Ukraine's Independence Day during a Coalition of the Willing meeting, Burnham said Ukraine had requested the capability so it can build the weapon itself. Britain was the first country to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles in 2023.

France has taken a similar step. The Storm Shadow, known as SCALP in France, is a subsonic, air-launched cruise missile developed in the 1990s. Each costs around one million pounds.

Ukraine has already used the missiles against targets inside Russia. Domestic production would reduce dependence on foreign supplies. Burnham also stressed the need for stronger air defence ahead of winter, citing Russian ballistic missile attacks on civilian areas.

The decision comes as Ukraine develops its own cheaper long-range cruise missile under Project Brakestop, which aims for readiness by the end of the year.