The US could lift restrictions on British Storm Shadow missiles: what is known
20 November 2024 14:51
The United Kingdom hints that the United States has allowed Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles to strike Russian territory. This was reported by Yevropeiska Pravda with reference to The Times, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
Britain’s position and pressure on the United States
British officials have previously expressed a desire for Ukraine to be able to use Western weapons at its discretion, especially for self-defense. According to the source, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has long been putting pressure on the United States, calling for a change in approach in this matter.
The peculiarity of the situation is that the British Storm Shadow missiles, which can have a range of more than 500 kilometers, use the American navigation system. Without it, the missile loses its effectiveness and becomes very vulnerable.
The United States initially opposed the use of Storm Shadow technology in Russia, fearing an escalation of the war. However, according to a source in the British Foreign Office, the situation changed after Russia began to involve military personnel from North Korea. This step was seen as a “significant escalation,” which, according to the source, was a “turning point.”
Possible change in US policy
It is expected that the US will now approve the use of Storm Shadow for Ukraine, especially since Ukrainian forces have previously used US long-range missiles to strike Russia.
In his latest statement, Keith Starmer only indirectly hinted at the change in position, saying:
“We have to provide Ukraine with what it needs, and provide it for as long as it takes to win this war. But I will not go into details, because only one person will benefit from this – Putin.”
According to sources, Starmer’s statement was deliberately worded in such a way as to hint at changes in US policy without open confirmation.
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EU confirms deep strikes
Earlier, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said that the United States had already authorized Ukraine to conduct strikes up to 300 kilometers deep on Russian territory.
At the same time, the U.S. State Department refrains from commenting on Ukraine’s use of ATACMS missiles, in particular for deep strikes against Russia, despite media reports.
Storm Shadow
The Storm Shadow is a long-range precision cruise missile developed jointly by the United Kingdom and France. This air-to-ground weapon is designed to engage stationary targets at a range of up to 560 kilometers in its best modification.
The Storm Shadow is about 5.1 meters long, weighs approximately 1300 kg and carries a 450 kg warhead. It can reach speeds of up to 1000 km/h.
The missile is equipped with sophisticated navigation and guidance systems that allow it to fly at extremely low altitudes, skirting terrain, making it difficult to detect and intercept. However, some of these systems are owned by the United States, making it virtually impossible to use the missile without the permission of the US government.
The missile has been in service since 2002 and has been used in several conflicts, including operations in Iraq and Libya. In 2023, the United Kingdom provided these missiles to Ukraine for use against Russia, which significantly enhanced the long-range strike capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces.
The cost of one Storm Shadow missile ranges from $1 million to $3 million.
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