Russian forces capture advanced UK‑supplied Storm Shadow missile
The Russians have successfully captured a Storm Shadow missile. This advanced long-range weapon is part of the support provided to the Ukrainian army by the United Kingdom. We highlight its features and discuss why it is an exceptionally valuable find for the Russians.
Photos and brief video clips showcasing this latest capture have been circulating on social media. Defence analyst Jarosław Wolski, on his X service profile, noted that this is the first documented instance of the invaders securing a Storm Shadow missile, which appears to be "almost complete".
The Russians captured the Storm Shadow missile
Jarosław Wolski suggests that while this capture may not have immediate consequences, its significance could grow over time. Russian experts are expected to scrutinize the British technology within these missiles. This examination might allow them to incorporate some of these technologies into their own arsenal or develop more effective countermeasures against the Storm Shadow.
This development is noteworthy given the Storm Shadow missiles' track record of eluding Russian defences, allowing the Ukrainians to conduct several high-profile attacks. These missiles have been used to inflict significant damage on vessels of the Black Sea Fleet. In 2023, missiles supplied by the British targeted the Chonhar bridge, and in early 2024, they hit the Belbek airport twice.
Ukrainians' superweapon
The Storm Shadow missiles, a collaborative effort between British and French engineers, have a range of up to about 310 miles, although this is restricted to around 186 miles for export versions. Designed with stealth technology, they often evade even the most advanced Russian anti-aircraft systems.
Each missile is over 16 feet long and weighs about 2,866 pounds, with 992 pounds dedicated to the BROACH (Bomb Royal Ordnance Augmented CHarge) warhead. This warhead is versatile, operating with delayed detonation, immediate impact, or mid-air explosion. Target guidance is achieved through inertial navigation, satellite systems, and a fourth-generation IR sensor (IIR).
Storm Shadow is an air-to-ground missile. While the Ukrainians have yet to receive Western fighters capable of launching them, they have successfully modified their existing Su-24 aircraft to carry these missiles.
