How Ukraine's UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles can disrupt Russian forces
The Storm Shadow missile as seen carried by an RAF Tornado. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace announced the supply of the air-launched cruise missile in the House of Commons on 11 May.
The weapon will give Ukraine a significantly increased strike range – as Storm Shadow can hit targets at distances of over 250km.
This greatly exceeds that of other weapons supplied to Kyiv by Western allies, such as the US-made HIMARS.
Wallace said: 'Today I can confirm that the UK is donating Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine. Storm Shadow is a long-range, conventional-only, precision strike capability.
'It complements the long-range systems already gifted, including HIMARS and Harpoon missiles, as well as
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
UK E-7 Wedgetail delay down to a “technology issue”, as MoD grapples with slipping timelines
The first of three E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, originally ordered in 2019, is now expected to be delivered to the RAF this year after multiple “difficulties”.
-
Forecast $21.9 billion light attack and trainer opportunities up for grabs as Leonardo lines up M-346
The M-346 stands as a potential contender for various countries facing impending capability gaps due to ageing trainer aircraft, while it could also be selected as a cost-effective light fighter aircraft.
-
US Air Force seeks capabilities to improve C3 for aircraft fleet and warfighters
The USAF published RFIs for enhancing its C3 capabilities after losing, in Operation Epic Fury, four aircraft in non-confrontational, unclear situations that could have been related to command, control and communication failures.
-
European CCA programmes see progress as industry narrows in on key flight milestones
European defence firms including Airbus, Helsing, General Atomics and Anduril are accelerating development and testing of collaborative combat aircraft to meet Germany’s loyal wingman requirement, targeting operational deployment by the end of the decade.
-
Leonardo plans to fly uncrewed fighters alongside M-346 aircraft by mid-2026
The two uncrewed fighter aircraft will be made in conjunction with Baykar, which joined forces with Leonardo under LBA Systems in June 2025 to develop and produce uncrewed aerial systems for the international market.
-
UK firm Skycutter comes out top in first US Drone Dominance Program competition
The startup was the only UK company to take part in the first Gauntlet for the programme, joining forces with its Ukraine partner to participate in the event.