U.K. will help Ukraine make long-range missiles by sharing classified tech information

Key Points:

• British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that the U.K. will share classified technical information on British components of the SCALP missile with Ukraine to help it assemble its own long-range missiles.
• The SCALP missile, a high-precision, air-launched weapon with a range of over 250 kilometers, is designed to target hardened bunkers and key infrastructure, but Ukrainian-assembled missiles are not expected to be operational until next year at the earliest.
• Experts note that while the missiles will enhance Ukraine's deep strike capabilities, they do not address the urgent need for protection against Russian ballistic missile attacks, which Ukraine currently lacks due to limited Patriot system deliveries.
• The U.K. has already supplied Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles in 2023, enabling strikes deep into Russian-held territory, and is assisting in developing new ground-launched strike systems with extended ranges and powerful warheads.
• Russia condemned the U.K.'s announcement as escalating the conflict, but British officials dismissed these accusations, emphasizing support for Ukraine's defense amid ongoing Russian aggression.