UK to Share Classified Missile Technology with Ukraine to Boost Long-Range Strike Capability

LONDON: Britain will help Ukraine develop its own long-range missiles by sharing classified technical information related to the British components of the SCALP missile, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced during a visit to Kyiv.

Burnham said he had approved Ukraine’s request for access to technical information that would enable Ukrainian industry to manufacture components of the weapon. British defense company MBDA is expected to provide details concerning UK-made parts of the missile.

The SCALP missile is the French version of Britain’s Storm Shadow, an air-launched precision weapon with a range of more than 250 kilometers (155 miles). The missile is designed to strike fixed and hardened targets, including key infrastructure and fortified positions, and uses advanced navigation technology to achieve high accuracy.

The announcement came as European leaders gathered in Kyiv to mark Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day and demonstrate continued support for the country amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. Burnham was among the European leaders who met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the visit.

British officials said the technology-sharing arrangement is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to produce long-range weapons domestically. The initiative is also expected to deepen cooperation between Ukrainian and European defense industries.

However, military experts cautioned that the agreement will not provide Ukraine with an immediate supply of operational missiles. According to the assessment cited by The Associated Press, domestically produced missiles based on the shared technology are not expected to become operational before 2027.

The move comes as Ukraine continues to face intense Russian missile and drone attacks and seeks greater capacity to strike targets at longer distances. Kyiv has repeatedly called for additional air-defense systems and weapons as Russia maintains its campaign against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

Britain has supplied Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles since 2023 and is also cooperating with British defense companies on new ground-launched strike systems. The latest decision therefore represents a further step toward expanding Ukraine’s independent defense-production capabilities.

The announcement has drawn criticism from Moscow, which has accused Britain of escalating the conflict. British authorities, however, have defended continued military support for Ukraine, arguing that strengthening Kyiv’s defensive and long-range capabilities is necessary while the war continues.

The technology-sharing agreement is expected to enhance Ukraine’s long-term military capabilities, although its immediate impact on the battlefield is likely to remain limited while domestic production facilities and missile systems are being developed.