The UK will help Ukraine make long-range missiles by sharing classified tech information
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that the UK will share classified technical information with Ukraine to assist in the domestic production of long-range missiles. While intended to bolster Ukraine's defense, experts warn that the move will not provide immediate operational capabilities.
Why it matters
This represents a significant escalation in military technology transfer between the UK and Ukraine, though its strategic impact remains a subject of debate among defense analysts.
LONDON — British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Monday that the U.K. will help Ukraine make its own long-range missiles by sharing classified technical information for British components.
Burnham, who was in Kyiv alongside other international leaders for Ukraine's Independence Day, said defense firm MBDA will release details on U.K.-made parts for the SCALP missile to Ukraine to help the country assemble the weapons.
However, experts say that won't result in operational missiles soon — or address Ukraine's most pressing needs in its war against Russia's full-scale invasion.
Here's what to know about the missiles and how significant the announcement is for Ukraine:
The SCALP missile is the French-produced version of the U.K.'s Storm Shadow, an air-launched, high-precision missile with a range of more than 250 kilometers (155 miles). Both use shared French and British technology.
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