The British government has denied Ukraine’s request to use Storm Shadow missiles in their offensive operations in the Kursk region, according to Tech.
Denied by UK
Ukrainian officials sought permission to deploy these long-range missiles against Russian airports and logistical hubs deep within Russia, aiming to weaken Moscow’s position in Kursk.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly pressured the UK to allow these strikes, believing that such cross-border attacks could potentially destabilize President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power.
However, the British government has rejected the request, and Ukraine’s appeal to the United States for ATACMS missiles was also denied.
Equipped With GPS Guidance
Storm Shadow missiles, developed by European defense contractor MBDA and produced in France, are advanced long-range cruise missiles with a range of approximately 250 kilometers. Each missile weighs around 1,300 kilograms, with a 450-kilogram warhead.
It is powered by a Turbomeca Microturbo TRI 60-30 turbojet engine, enabling speeds of up to 1,000 kilometers per hour.
These missiles are equipped with GPS guidance systems and terrain-following capabilities, allowing them to evade obstacles and be challenging to intercept.
They are particularly effective for precision strikes against airbases, key communication nodes, and port facilities.
The fact that Storm Shadow missiles are produced jointly by the UK and France means that both nations have a say in their deployment. Despite the advanced capabilities of these missiles, their use in Ukraine remains restricted, highlighting the cautious approach taken by Western allies in managing military support.
