Storm shadow limits: UK clarifies Ukraine's missile usage rules

Contrary to recent reports in the past weeks, Ukraine cannot use Storm Shadow cruise missiles to attack targets located on Russian territory. We explain this weapon and the confusion surrounding the extent to which the Ukrainian army can use it.

Storm Shadow cruise missiles are among the most powerful weapons Ukraine receives from the West. They have even earned the nickname "victory weapon", against which the Russians are often powerless, following several successful operations involving them that eliminated valuable invader equipment. Additionally, recordings have emerged showing the impotence of Russian air defence systems against British super-missiles.

Storm Shadow cruise missiles are long-range weapons. They enable hitting targets up to 300 miles, which, from the Ukrainians' perspective, allows them to think about attacking many objects deep within Russia.

However, this is not possible for formal reasons. British authorities clarified the doubts by explaining that Storm Shadow cruise missiles can be used in occupied territories (including Crimea) but not on territories belonging to Russia and recognised as such in the international arena.

Western media quoted a statement by Keir Starmer in July, suggesting that such limitations do not apply. However, the British Ministry of Defence called the Prime Minister’s statements an "awkward diplomatic moment" and now confirmed that "the UK’s position on Storm Shadow has not changed" and the weapon can be used exclusively for defensive purposes in non-Russian territories that they have attacked.

The long-range is not the only important issue highlighted when discussing the capabilities of these missiles. Each weighs about 1.3 tons, with 1,000 pounds accounting for the BROACH warhead (Bomb Royal Ordnance Augmented Charge), which provides enormous striking power. Importantly, the warhead can be programmed to operate in several different modes: contact explosion (on impact), airburst, resulting in a hail of fragments over a considerable area, and penetration (delayed detonation).

Storm Shadow cruise missiles use the commonly employed GPS and INS navigation systems and a fourth-generation infrared sensor that sees the thermal image of the target. Combined with low-altitude flight capabilities, this makes them hard for enemy air defence and anti-missile systems to detect.

Public information indicates that three European countries are strengthening Ukraine with this weapon. In addition to the United Kingdom, these are Italy and France (which provides the twin SCALP-EG cruise missiles).