How Many Storm Shadow Missiles Does the UK Have, and What Does It Mean for Ukraine?

The Storm Shadow missile has become a critical asset in Ukraine’s arsenal since the United Kingdom began supplying them to Kyiv in May 2023. As discussions about the use of these weapons intensify, many wonder how many Storm Shadow missiles the UK and Ukraine possess and how this impacts Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities.

What are Storm Shadow missiles?

Storm Shadow missiles are advanced, precision-guided munitions jointly developed by the UK and France (called SCALP in France). They are designed for deep-strike missions and can hit targets at ranges of over 250 kilometers (155 miles). This range allows Ukrainian forces to strike deep into Russia, targeting critical infrastructure, command centers, runways, and logistics hubs.

How many Storm Shadows does the UK have?

According to reports, the UK originally had approximately 900 Storm Shadow missiles for its military. However, many of these have already been used or are nearing the end of their operational lifespan. Current estimates suggest that the UK currently has about 600 operational missiles, with some reports indicating that hundreds have been supplied to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

The UK government has not disclosed exact figures for the missiles transferred to Ukraine, citing security concerns. Nevertheless, Ukrainian forces have confirmed the use of Storm Shadow missiles in multiple high-profile strikes, including attacks on Russian ammunition depots, bridges, and key military installations in occupied territories.

On November 21st for example, Storm Shadow missiles hit a command center for Russian forces in the Kursk direction. The strike targeted a bunker in Maryino, Kursk region, killing dozens of Russian soldiers and officers, as well as several North Korean military personnel.

Why Are Storm Shadows Important to Ukraine?

Storm Shadow missiles give Ukraine the ability to target deep within Russian-occupied territories, striking critical assets with high precision. This capability poses a significant threat to Russian logistics by forcing Moscow to rethink the positioning of its forces and supplies. Where Russian hubs we were once considered safe and out of range of Ukrainian fire, they are now vulnerable.

One instance where these capabilities have been particularly disruptive to Russian forces is in the case of the Kerch Bridge which connects mainland Russia to Crimea. This critical supply route, while once out of reach, is now within range of Storm Shadow missiles. As a result, Moscow has been forced to rethink how to safely resupply its forces in the region.

Challenges and Limitations

While Storm Shadow missiles represent a significant shift in favor of Ukraine, their deployment poses several challenges. Each missile costs approximately $1 million US dollars making them a costly resource. Additionally, their effectiveness depends on Ukraine’s ability to integrate them into its existing military infrastructure, including its fleet of Soviet-era and modernized aircraft. Thankfully this is something Ukraine has experience with. Throughout the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has achieved impresive results with antiquated Soviet-era equipment using its advanced software.

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Russia, for its part, has adapted by increasing the use of electronic warfare and deploying additional air defense systems to intercept incoming missiles. Reports of Russian success in countering Storm Shadows remain limited but underscore the importance of continued Western support.

What’s Next?

The supply of Storm Shadow missiles showcases the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. However, as Ukraine uses these missiles in high-stakes operations, the question of resupply looms large. The UK’s stockpile, though substantial, is finite, and the demand for such precision weaponry will likely increase as the war continues.

Storm Shadow missiles have proven invaluable to Ukraine, enabling long-range precision strikes that challenge Russian dominance in occupied territories. As the UK continues to supply these critical weapons, their impact on the war effort highlights the importance of continued international support. In the coming months, the challenge will be figuring out how to use these missiles wisely without running out.