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War in Ukraine

All the Times Ukraine Hit a Russian Military Target with Storm Shadow Missiles

All the Times Ukraine Hit a Russian Military Target with Storm Shadow Missiles

Ukraine has finally been given the green light to strike military targets inside Russia with the British Storm Shadow Missiles. What successful strikes with Storm Shadow missiles has Ukraine had against the Russian military so far?

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Jessica_daly
Jess Daly
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In mid-November 2024, the US lifted restrictions on the use of ATACMS against Russian military targets—a comparable missile system for striking deep into Russia’s rear. Following this, the UK also authorized Ukraine to carry out such strikes. The use of Storm Shadow missiles was approved in response to Russia deploying North Korean troops in its war on Ukraine, which the UK government viewed as an escalation. 

Due to the Storm Shadows’ success in striking Russian military targets in Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions, Grant Shapps, the UK’s Former Defense Minister said in April 2024 that he plans to invest in expanding production capacities. “I do think the Storm Shadow has been an extraordinary weapon,” he added, “these weapons are making a very significant difference.”

What is the Storm Shadow missile?

The Storm Shadow is an Anglo-Franco cruise missile with a range of around 250 kilometers (155 miles). In France, it’s called SCALP. Equipped with a 450-kilogram warhead, it can travel close to the speed of sound, around 1000 kilometers per hour (600mph). Developed in the 1990s, it has been used in the Gulf, Iraq, and Libya and is now being used by Ukrainian Armed Forces. 

This missile is launched from an aircraft and used for high-precision deep strikes while often evading detection. It is an ideal weapon for striking hardened and protected assets like ammunition stores. 

Long-range missiles play a critical role in precisely penetrating deep into Russian-occupied territories. Russian forces continue to target Ukrainian cities from launchers strategically positioned far beyond the frontline. Ukraine urgently needed additional weapons to effectively counter these attacks, targeting Russian ammo warehouses, depots, barracks, and supply lines.

Since the delivery of the Storm Shadow, Ukraine has been using them very effectively. Here’s a timeline of its deployment.

How successful has Storm Shadow been so far?

Russia's Kursk region command facility: November 2024

November 20, 2024, was the first reported Storm Shadow missile strike since the restrictions were lifted. A command facility in the village of Maryino, Kursk region, Russia, was hit resulting in significant casualties.

Approximately 500 North Korean soldiers were reportedly killed in the attack, along with at least 18 Russian military officers. Major General Valery Solodchuk, the first deputy commander of the Leningrad Military District, who had previously commanded the 1st Army Corps of the so-called “Donetsk People’s Republic” during the 2014 Russian invasion of Ukraine was reportedly killed. 

The strike also injured three North Korean soldiers, two officers, and 13 Russian sappers, including the deputy chief of staff of the 88th Mechanized Brigade.

The attack targeted a site believed to be the residence of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, according to Defense Express, with claims that an underground command post was located on the property. 

High-ranking general killed—Duna Hotel: July 2023

Oleg Tsokov, one of Putin's top Generals who oversaw missile strikes on Ukraine, was killed in a strike on the Duna Hotel in occupied Berdyansk. The Pivdenhydromash plant was also struck. Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov confirmed that dozens of Russian soldiers were killed in the fire. The Storm Shadow took out the whole Berdiansk hotel housing high-commanding officers, plus the reserve command post for Russia’s occupying 58th Army.

An industrial facility in Berdyansk where Russian forces set up their base was also on fire. 

Henichesk and Chonhar Bridges: August 2023

The Chonhar Bridge was struck by the Storm Shadow, it connects Crimea to the Kherson region. The Chonhar crossing, one of three connecting to Kherson was temporarily out of service. It’s the shortest route to the frontline in the south and an important link for Russian forces. Henichesk Bridge, which connects the city of Henichesk and the Arabat Spit was also struck and the gas pipeline was damaged. 

Black Sea Fleet HQ “Operation Crab Trap”: September 2023

A Russian submarine in Sevastopol, Crimea was struck in what is believed to be the largest strike on the headquarters of their Black Sea Fleet since the full-scale invasion began. Analysts suggested that it was likely a Kilo-class attack submarine that could launch cruise missiles of its own. A landing ship was also damaged in the strike. 

The strike, reportedly codenames “Operation Crab Trap” killed at least nine and wounded 16 troops, with Russian generals among them, said Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) chief. 

Ukrainian Air Force, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, posted an image of the burning shipyard, with the caption: “While the occupants are having a bad time in Sevastopol, let’s thank the Air Force of Ukraine for their brilliant job.” 

Due to relentless successful strikes from Ukrainian forces against the Black Sea Fleet, In October 2023, Moscow began moving its fleet away from Crimea. 

“As of today, Russia is dispersing its fleet, fearing more attacks on its ships,” Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk told POLITICO. “Some units are relocating to the port of Novorossiysk. They try not to visit Sevastopol so often because they don't feel safe there anymore.”

The Russian landing ship Tsezar Kunikov was struck in February 2024, likely by drones, and in December 2023, its sister ship, the Novocherkassk, was struck while in port in Feodosiya by the Storm Shadow. 

Belbek Airfield: January 2024

Belbek airfield in Crimea armed with Su-30SM2 and Su-27 aircraft, as well as other tactical aviation units was struck. The 38th Fighter Aviation Regiment is based here. Judging by satellite images and local reports, at least three planes were there at the time of the attack and Russian soldiers were killed, said Ukraine’s Air Force Command spokesperson Yurii Ihnat.

Belbek airfield is a significant target for Ukrainian forces because it plays a key role in Russia’s attacks against Ukraine. It’s home to a variety of aircraft, houses a key logistics hub supplying ammunition and missiles, along with having radar systems.

Landing ships, Crimean ports: March 2024

Crimea, with more than 100 key military objects across the peninsula, along with the Kerch Bridge, a key logistical supply route for Russia, has been victim to numerous attacks from Ukraine. 

Ukraine successfully struck three large landing ships, a communications hub, and facility infrastructure in occupied Sevastopol, Crimea. 

The Yamal and Azov landing ships were struck with Storm Shadow missiles and the Konstantin Olshansky landing ship was struck with Ukrainian-made Neptune anti-ship missiles. 

“A historic moment for Ukraine. In plain English, it means that Putin can no longer exercise safely in the Black Sea, even though the Russian Fleet has operated there since 1783.”

Grant Shapps

Former UK Defence Secretary

“Secret” Air Defense base, Mount Ai-Petri: May 2024

Russian military unit 85683 on Mount Ai-Petri in Crimea was struck, facilities were reportedly damaged, and the commander of the unit, Oleksandr Kulakov, and another soldier were killed. The Ai-Petri mountain is home to the “secret” air defense base of the 3rd Radio Regiment and a center for long-range reconnaissance and guidance of air defense forces, according to Astra reporters. Domes that house radar complexes are on the mountains. 

Ammunition Depot: May 2024

Powerful explosions were heard in the outskirts of occupied Luhansk. Eyewitnesses published videos on social media of a fire which led reporters to believe that this was an ammunition depot. The “significant amount of light-colored smoke” is “inherent in the burning of gunpowder or solid rocket fuel, which are the basis for projectiles and rocket motors for Grad or Uragan MRLs, which are actively used by Russian Forces,” said Militarnyi, a Ukrainian news portal.

Russian propagandists claimed this to be a Storm Shadow strike, though not confirmed by Ukraine.

Command Posts: October 2024

Ukraine struck the command posts of the 35th and 27th separate motor rifle brigades, as well as that of the 2nd Combined Arms Army of the Russian Armed Forces with Storm Shadow missiles and GMLRS rockets, General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported.

Open-source intelligence (OSINT) groups claim the strikes happened in the Avdiivka concrete plant.

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