The UK will boost Ukraine’s long-range capabilities and pave the way for local production of SCALP cruise missiles. During his visit to Kyiv on 24 August, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that London had authorised MBDA to share classified technical information regarding the British components of these missiles. This should enable Ukraine and France to move forward with the establishment of SCALP assembly lines in Ukraine.
Briefly about the main points
- The UK will help Ukraine to localise the production of SCALP.
- MBDA will provide technical data on the British components.
- London is bolstering Ukraine’s long-range capabilities and air defence.
The UK has authorised the transfer of SCALP data to Ukraine
The British Government has approved the transfer by MBDA of classified technical information relating to the British components of the SCALP long-range cruise missile.
SCALP is the French version of the British Storm Shadow. Both missiles are based on a joint British-French technological platform. London’s decision should enable France and Ukraine to make progress in setting up local assembly lines for these missiles on Ukrainian territory.
According to the British Government, this move is a continuation of London’s policy to strengthen Ukraine’s long-range capabilities. The UK became the first country to supply Ukraine with Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles back in 2023.
Long-range strikes are intended to help counter the missile threat
The development of long-range weaponry for Ukraine is also significant in the context of Russian ballistic and other missile attacks.
This refers to the ability to strike launchers, missile depots, command posts, airfields and other elements of Russia’s missile infrastructure even before weapons are used against Ukraine.
At the same time, Kyiv continues to work with its allies to increase the number of air defence systems and interceptor missiles, which are used directly to defend Ukrainian cities against ballistic and cruise missiles.
London is developing a separate programme for more affordable long-haul vehicles
The British Government also stated that the decision regarding SCALP complements Project Brakestop — a programme for the rapid development of modern and more cost-effective long-range weapons for Ukraine.
London is therefore working on two fronts simultaneously: it is helping Ukraine to gain the capacity to assemble certified SCALP cruise missiles locally, whilst at the same time developing new long-range systems.
For Ukraine, this could mean reduced reliance on one-off deliveries of ready-made missiles and a gradual expansion of its own production capabilities.
Bernam arrived in Kyiv on Independence Day
24 August Andy Burnham arrived in Kyiv as part of his first overseas visit as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
He stated that London’s support for Ukraine would remain unchanged, emphasising that Ukraine’s security is directly linked to that of the United Kingdom.
Burnam is also taking part in a meeting of the «Coalition of the Willing», where allies are discussing further military and security support for Ukraine.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the United Kingdom has allocated around 25 billion pounds, of which approximately £16 billion is allocated to military aid.
The Kremlin has already responded to the UK’s decision
In Moscow, London’s decision provoked a sharp reaction.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the transfer of technology to Ukraine for the production of long-range missiles allegedly intensifies Britain’s involvement in the war. Russia has also threatened to seek out and attack production sites where such missiles might be manufactured.
At the same time, the UK stated that Russian threats will not change its stance on supporting Ukraine.
