Given the growing tension between Russia and member countries of the I’LL TAKE for the war it is carrying out with Ukraine, the United Kingdom awarded Volodimir Zelensky misiles Storm Shadow for use in Russian territory.
This Wednesday, November 20, Ukraine launched an attack with several Storm Shadow missiles delivered by the United Kingdom targeting Russian soil.
It is Ukraine’s second offensive act against Russia after Joe Biden allowed the use of ATACMS ballistic missiles to attack Russian territory; These missiles have a range of 300 kilometers and they are American made.
This caused Vladimir Putin to sign a decree that allows responses with nuclear weapons against conventional attacks that threaten the sovereignty of Russia and Belarus.
Now Ukraine has Storm Shadow missiles and here we tell you what they are and what their range is.
What are Storm Shadow missiles? They are used against Russia
Los misiles Storm Shadow They are air-to-ground cruise missiles, which are based on Apache shells of French manufacture.
Development of these missiles began in the 1990s; specifically in 1994, by the French Matra and British Aerospace.
Furthermore, the misiles Storm Shadow British are manufactured under the management of the European consortium MBDA
It should be noted that the total weight of the Storm Shadow missiles translates into 1,300 kilos, and they use measurements of 48 centimeters in maximum diameter, 2.84 meters in wingspan and a total length of 510 meters.
What range do the Storm Shadow missiles used against Russia have?
Los misiles Storm Shadow They have a range of 250 to 300 kilometers; This distance can be achieved because they have a high-power turbojet that propels the missiles at speeds of Mach 0.8.
This translates to almost a thousand kilometers per hour; In addition, to this we must add a 450-kilometer BROACH tandem warhead, with an initial penetrating charge designed for the ground or exterior of bunkers.
It is noteworthy that these missiles must be programmed before launch, since after being launched, they cannot be controlled.
How has the introduction of Storm Shadow missiles altered the military dynamics between Ukraine and Russia?
Time.news Interview: Understanding the Impact of Storm Shadow Missiles in the Ukraine Conflict
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the significant escalation in the Ukraine conflict, specifically the use of Storm Shadow missiles. To shed light on the implications of this development, we have military expert Dr. Elena Novak with us. Dr. Novak, can you give us an overview of what Storm Shadow missiles are and their strategic importance?
Dr. Novak: Thank you for having me. Storm Shadow missiles are air-launched, long-range cruise missiles developed primarily by the United Kingdom and France. They have a range of approximately 250 kilometers, making them highly effective for precision strikes against well-defended targets. The fact that Ukraine is now equipped with these missiles marks a crucial shift in the balance of power in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Editor: Indeed, it does. The recent delivery of Storm Shadow missiles follows the U.S. decision to provide ATACMS ballistic missiles to Ukraine. Can you explain how these two systems differ in terms of capability and tactical application?
Dr. Novak: Absolutely. While both systems enable Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory, they serve slightly different purposes. ATACMS, with a range of 300 kilometers, can deliver a variety of munitions, including cluster munitions, making it suitable for both tactical and strategic targets. On the other hand, Storm Shadow’s advanced guidance systems allow for precision targeting of high-value assets, which is invaluable for Ukraine as it seeks to disrupt Russian logistics and command structures.
Editor: As we’ve seen, the recent attacks using these missiles have provoked a strong response from Russia, including President Putin’s decree to potentially use nuclear weapons. How do you interpret this escalation in rhetoric?
Dr. Novak: Putin’s reaction is certainly alarming and reflects the serious implications of Ukraine’s enhanced strike capabilities. By openly signaling the potential use of nuclear weapons, he is trying to deter further military support for Ukraine from Western allies. It indicates a readiness to escalate the conflict should he perceive a direct threat to Russia’s sovereignty. This raises the stakes tremendously and places pressure on Ukraine’s allies to reassess their military support.
Editor: Speaking of allies, how crucial is ongoing Western support, especially in terms of advanced weapons systems like Storm Shadow and ATACMS, for Ukraine’s military strategy?
Dr. Novak: Western support is vital for Ukraine’s defense and offensive operations. The introduction of advanced systems like Storm Shadow and ATACMS not only boosts Ukraine’s tactical capabilities but also serves as a message of solidarity from the West. It helps maintain morale within the Ukrainian military and among its citizens, as well as sending a clear signal to Russia that aggressive actions will not go unanswered.
Editor: as we continue to monitor this conflict, what should be our focus moving forward in understanding the potential developments?
Dr. Novak: I think it’s crucial to keep an eye on three main aspects. First, monitor the effectiveness of these new missile systems in operational scenarios. Second, observe Russia’s military and political responses, especially concerning nuclear rhetoric. Lastly, the evolving nature of international support for Ukraine, particularly as other countries might consider providing similar capabilities, will significantly shape the dynamics of this conflict. The situation remains fluid and unpredictable, but understanding these components will be key.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Novak, for your insightful analysis. It’s clear that we are witnessing pivotal moments in the Ukraine conflict with serious implications for regional and global security.