Ukraine Uses UK's Storm Shadow Missiles for the First Time in Russian Territory

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For the first time, Ukraine has used the British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target military installations inside Russia, according to reports. The missiles, which have a range of up to 250 kilometers, were deployed as part of Ukraine's strategy to counter Russian air superiority. The use of Storm Shadow follows US President Biden's earlier approval, which allowed Ukraine to target Russian military assets with American-made missiles.

In a related incident, Ukrainian forces recently launched six American-made ballistic missiles at a Russian military facility after receiving US permission. The Ukrainian government emphasized the need for longer-range weapons, including the Storm Shadow and American-made ATACMS, which can strike targets up to 300 kilometers away. These missiles are seen as crucial to neutralizing Russia's aerial offensive capabilities.

Sources reveal that during a recent attack on the Russian city of Bryansk, several American-made missiles were used. Russian air defense systems managed to intercept five of them, while the sixth missile caused a fire when its wreckage hit a military installation. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

What is the Storm Shadow Missile?

The Storm Shadow is an Anglo-French cruise missile designed for long-range precision strikes. It can travel up to 250 kilometers and is launched from aircraft. Known as "SCALP" in France, the missile flies at nearly the speed of sound before detonating its warhead upon reaching the target.

The Storm Shadow is considered an ideal weapon for targeting heavily fortified bunkers and ammunition depots, similar to those Russia has used in its war against Ukraine. Each missile costs around $1 million, so Ukraine typically uses cheaper drones first to weaken the enemy’s air defenses before launching the more expensive missiles.

The Storm Shadow missile has been effectively used in the past, notably targeting Russia's naval headquarters in Crimea, which made the region a risky area for Russian forces to operate in.

The increasing use of these advanced missiles underscores the ongoing escalation of the conflict, with Ukraine relying on Western support to combat Russia’s military strength.