British Government Seeks German Cooperation in Cruise Missile Transfer to Ukraine

The Government of the United Kingdom has proposed to the Government of Germany to conclude an agreement that would increase the supply of Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine.

Handelsblatt reported on this.

The proposed agreement provides for the transfer of Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles to the United Kingdom. It remains unclear whether these will be new missiles or ones that are already in service with the German Air Force.

In its turn, the British government will provide Ukraine with more Storm Shadow cruise missiles that are in service with the Royal Air Force. These missiles are used by the Ukrainian Air Force for the Su-24M bombers.

If this agreement is accepted by the German government, Ukraine will be able to receive an additional number of Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which have demonstrated excellent capabilities to destroy important targets in the enemy’s deep rear.

According to the manufacturer’s official statement, the Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missile has a maximum range of 300 km, but according to the Royal Air Force, the maximum range of the missile is over 500 km.

It should be noted that missiles of this type are the only long-range air-to-ground missiles for combat aircraft of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In addition to the United Kingdom, France is also providing Ukraine with Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles. French President Emmanuel Macron stated at the press conference on January 17, 2024, that France would provide Ukraine with 40 additional SCALP missiles.

Due to the use of radio-absorbing materials and low-altitude flight, the Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missile is a difficult target for Russian air defense systems.

As Militarnyi previously reported, the U.S. Army’s AFWERX innovation unit is holding a competition to develop low-cost cruise missiles.

The Design Sprint and Challenge program leverages the expertise of technical communities to produce weapons with high subsonic speeds that can reach 926 km.

It is also planned to be available at a price of “$150,000 per unit for bulk orders.”