Recent reports of Ukraine deploying Storm Shadow missiles in Crimea signal a notable development in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
According to Yuriy Sak, an aide to the Minister of Strategic Industries, Ukraine has successfully utilized these long-range missiles, which the United Kingdom authorized for use against Russian forces.
Initially, Sak’s statement implied a broader application of the missiles. However, he later clarified to LIGA.net that their use was specifically targeted at military sites in “temporarily occupied Crimea.”
This distinction underscores the complex geopolitical status of Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, yet still internationally recognized as part of Ukraine.
This long-range air-launched and conventionally-armed missile equips RAF Tornado GR4 squadrons and saw operational service in 2003 with 617 Squadron during combat in Iraq, prior to entering full service in 2004. Post deployment analysis demonstrated the missile’s exceptional accuracy, and the effect on targets was described as devastating. Based on this performance, it is arguably the most advanced weapon of its kind in the world.
Feasibility studies on a possible UK requirement for a Long Range Stand- Off Missile were originally commissioned in 1982, and work was eventually subsumed in 1986 into the NATO seven-nation Modular Stand- Off Weapon programme. This project was however aborted, and the UK subsequently withdrew. With the end of the Cold War the UKs continued need for a stand-off requirement was reviewed and endorsed as part of the Options for Change exercise. An international competition was launched in 1994 to meet the UKs Conventionally Armed Stand Off Missile (CASOM) requirement, and seven companies responded.
The use of such advanced weaponry indicates a potential shift in Ukraine’s military strategy and the support it receives from allies.
The Storm Shadow missiles represent a significant boost to Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities. As an advanced weapon system, these missiles can effectively reduce the opponent’s military assets and logistics capabilities.
In line with Sak’s comments, it is worth noting that Ukraine’s defense industry efforts have reportedly diminished Russia’s oil refining capacity by 15%, demonstrating the increasing efficacy of domestically produced weapons.
The strategic deployment of these missiles in Crimea carries substantial implications. Not only does it serve as a precedent for Ukraine’s assertive response to Russian aggression but it also reflects the broader international dynamics at play.
There is a growing debate among Ukraine’s allies regarding the latitude they are prepared to provide Kyiv in its use of Western-supplied weaponry against targets within Russian borders.
For instance, French President Emmanuel Macron recently advocated for Ukraine’s right to neutralize military sites from which it is attacked.
However, the consensus is far from uniform. Some NATO countries have voiced support for lifting restrictions on the use of donated arms, while others, like Italy and Belgium, maintain a cautious stance.
This long-range air-launched and conventionally-armed missile equips RAF Tornado GR4 squadrons and saw operational service in 2003 with 617 Squadron during combat in Iraq, prior to entering full service in 2004. Post deployment analysis demonstrated the missile’s exceptional accuracy, and the effect on targets was described as devastating. Based on this performance, it is arguably the most advanced weapon of its kind in the world.
Feasibility studies on a possible UK requirement for a Long Range Stand- Off Missile were originally commissioned in 1982, and work was eventually subsumed in 1986 into the NATO seven-nation Modular Stand- Off Weapon programme. This project was however aborted, and the UK subsequently withdrew. With the end of the Cold War the UKs continued need for a stand-off requirement was reviewed and endorsed as part of the Options for Change exercise. An international competition was launched in 1994 to meet the UKs Conventionally Armed Stand Off Missile (CASOM) requirement, and seven companies responded.
The U.S. and Germany, as two of the primary providers of military aid to Ukraine, have not endorsed strikes on Russian territory, although the evolving situation on the ground and political pressures could influence future decisions.
This long-range air-launched and conventionally-armed missile equips RAF Tornado GR4 squadrons and saw operational service in 2003 with 617 Squadron during combat in Iraq, prior to entering full service in 2004. Post deployment analysis demonstrated the missile’s exceptional accuracy, and the effect on targets was described as devastating. Based on this performance, it is arguably the most advanced weapon of its kind in the world.
Feasibility studies on a possible UK requirement for a Long Range Stand- Off Missile were originally commissioned in 1982, and work was eventually subsumed in 1986 into the NATO seven-nation Modular Stand- Off Weapon programme. This project was however aborted, and the UK subsequently withdrew. With the end of the Cold War the UKs continued need for a stand-off requirement was reviewed and endorsed as part of the Options for Change exercise. An international competition was launched in 1994 to meet the UKs Conventionally Armed Stand Off Missile (CASOM) requirement, and seven companies responded.
The Air Force and Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine, perhaps mindful of the sensitive nature of military strategies and the fragility of international support, have refrained from commenting on the use of British-supplied missiles against Russia.
This long-range air-launched and conventionally-armed missile equips RAF Tornado GR4 squadrons and saw operational service in 2003 with 617 Squadron during combat in Iraq, prior to entering full service in 2004. Post deployment analysis demonstrated the missile’s exceptional accuracy, and the effect on targets was described as devastating. Based on this performance, it is arguably the most advanced weapon of its kind in the world.
Feasibility studies on a possible UK requirement for a Long Range Stand- Off Missile were originally commissioned in 1982, and work was eventually subsumed in 1986 into the NATO seven-nation Modular Stand- Off Weapon programme. This project was however aborted, and the UK subsequently withdrew. With the end of the Cold War the UKs continued need for a stand-off requirement was reviewed and endorsed as part of the Options for Change exercise. An international competition was launched in 1994 to meet the UKs Conventionally Armed Stand Off Missile (CASOM) requirement, and seven companies responded.
Amidst these developments, Moscow’s military actions in Crimea and across the border continue to be a focal point of contention.
The Ukrainian leadership has consistently argued that the ability to preemptively strike at Russian military build-ups could significantly alter the dynamics of the conflict and thwart potential offensives.
Relevant articles:
– Does Ukraine use Storm Shadow missiles to strike Russia? Minstrategprom: It’s about Crimea , ЛИГАБизнесИнформ, 05/30/2024
– Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin picks ex-bodyguard for senior role – fuelling succession rumours, Sky News, 05/29/2024
– Ukraine urges allies to lift Western arms ban on hitting targets inside Russia. Will they?, Kyiv Independent, 05/29/2024
– Lithuanian diplomat’s Crimean Bridge joke draws Russian threats, Yahoo Singapore News, 05/27/2024