The request from Ukraine to lift restrictions on the use of long-range missiles, including Storm Shadow missiles, in Russian territory is under review by both the United States and United Kingdom.
However, the possibility of approval for Ukraine to deploy these weapons deep inside Russian territory has elicited a strong response – and a warning – from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Let’s delve into the significance of these long-range weapons and how they are central to the escalating tensions in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.
Understanding Storm Shadow Missiles
Storm Shadow missiles are sophisticated air-launched cruise missiles with a range of up to 250km (155 miles), launched from military aircraft rather than ground-based platforms.
If permitted for use from Ukrainian airspace, these missiles could potentially target key locations within Russia such as Kursk, Millerovo, and Rostov. The collaboration between the UK and US in developing these weapons adds another layer of complexity.
Manufactured through a partnership involving France and Britain, each Storm Shadow missile comes with a hefty price tag of $1 million. Their destructive capabilities extend to damaging Russian military infrastructure like weapon storage facilities and bunkers.
Moreover, these missiles could serve as a deterrent against Russia’s military assaults on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Keir Giles from Chatham House highlighted this defensive potential.
While acknowledging that Storm Shadow missiles were supplied to Ukraine by the UK in May 2023, it was made clear that their usage should be confined within Ukrainian borders without targeting Russian territories.
Air-launched long-range Storm Shadow cruise missile manufactured by MBDA…
Original article available at www.aljazeera.com