UK clears way for Ukraine to assemble SCALP long-range missiles domestically
The UK government has authorized defense company MBDA to release classified information on British components used in SCALP long-range missiles, clearing the way for Ukraine and France to establish local assembly lines in Ukraine.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to announce the decision during his visit to Kyiv on August 24, Ukraine’s Independence Day, according to the UK government.
SCALP is the French-produced version of Britain’s Storm Shadow missile, with both weapons based on shared British and French technology.
The British government said releasing the classified information would allow France and Ukraine to move forward with assembling the missiles in Ukraine.
The initiative will complement Project Brakestop, a UK effort to rapidly develop low-cost advanced long-range strike weapons for Ukraine.
Burnham arrived in Kyiv on August 24 on his first overseas trip since becoming prime minister. He is expected to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky and co-chair a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing alongside other leaders visiting Kyiv for Independence Day.
“On Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes,” Burnham said.
“Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace.”
The UK says it has committed £25 billion in support for Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, including £16 billion in military assistance and £5.6 billion in non-military support.