UK, France and Italy agree to license Storm Shadow missile production to Ukraine
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The UK, France and Italy have agreed to grant Ukraine a license to produce Storm Shadow cruise missiles domestically. The decision marks the first transfer of Western long-range missile production technology to Kyiv. Moscow has threatened strikes on any future production facilities.
Key Facts
- The UK, France and Italy have agreed to license production of Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine.
- Moscow has threatened strikes on any future production facilities for the missiles.
- Storm Shadow missiles have been used by Ukraine since May 2023, when they were integrated onto Su-24M bombers.
- The missiles have struck Russian military targets including the Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol and the large landing ship Minsk.
Licensing Agreement
The UK, France and Italy have agreed to grant Ukraine a license to produce Storm Shadow cruise missiles domestically. The agreement was reported by DW on 28 August 2026. The license would allow Ukrainian facilities to manufacture the missiles, which are currently supplied by the three European nations.
Russian Reaction
Russian officials have threatened strikes on any future production facilities for the missiles. The Kremlin has repeatedly warned Western states against providing long-range weapons to Ukraine. Moscow views the potential domestic production of Storm Shadow missiles as a serious escalation.
Missile Capabilities
Storm Shadow/SCALP is an air-launched cruise missile in service since the early 2000s. The missile is carried by tactical aircraft including Tornado, Mirage 2000, Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon. Manufacturer MBDA highlights the missile's low observability, resistance to electronic warfare, and high accuracy against protected targets. The missile was first used in combat by British forces during the 2003 Iraq War.
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UK, France and Italy agree to license Storm Shadow missile production to Ukraine
