GS Paper - III

The United States and United Kingdom have both agreed to review Ukraine’s request to lift restrictions on the use of their long-range missiles, including Storm Shadow missiles, in Russian territory. But the growing indications from the West that it may approve Ukraine’s desire to use these weapons deep inside Russian territory have also sparked a terse response – and threat – from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

What are Storm Shadow missiles?

• The Storm Shadow is a long range, air-launched cruise missile. This means missiles are launched from military aircraft in the air rather than from the ground. They can hit targets up to 250km (155 miles) away.
• Used from Ukraine’s airspace, they could strike deep into Russian territory. If restrictions on the use of Storm Shadow missiles – provided by the UK but developed and manufactured using US components – are lifted, Russian targets in locations such as Kursk, Millerovo and Rostov could be easier to strike.
• The Storm Shadow was developed by a Franco-British collaboration. They are manufactured by a joint venture which includes Italy.
• Each missile costs $1m and they are capable of damaging or destroying Russian military infrastructure, including weapon storage sites and bunkers.
• They could also intercept and lessen the impact of Russia’s military attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure.
• The UK confirmed that it had sent Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine in May 2023. However, they were provided to Kyiv with the condition that Ukraine make use of long-range missiles within its own borders only and not fire them into Russian territory.

Would long-range rockets make a big difference for Ukraine?

• Long-range missiles could provide Ukraine with new tactical capabilities such as the ability to strike distant targets.
• While they could give Ukraine an edge, they would not necessarily be enough to defeat Russia, experts say.