Close Menu
  • Home
  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Culture
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Travel
Trending

‘My Egyptian toyboy husband swore me off sex at 86 – but I won’t divorce him’

June 21, 2025

Turkish President Erdogan warns against ‘new Sykes-Picot order’ in the Middle East

June 21, 2025

‘I’ve taken both my kids out of school during term-time – this is why system is flawed’

June 21, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
Se Connecter
June 21, 2025
Euro News Source
Live Markets Newsletter
  • Home
  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Culture
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Travel
Euro News Source
Home»Tech
Tech

Understanding Storm Shadow and ATACMS: The UK and US Missiles Deployed by Ukraine

News RoomBy News RoomDecember 1, 2024
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Copy Link Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Telegram

Ukraine has taken a significant step in its ongoing conflict with Russia by firing foreign-made missiles directly into Russian territory for the first time. The missiles in question include the UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles and the US-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which were launched from High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). Reports indicate that Ukraine targeted military facilities within Russia, such as a site in Bryansk, located 379 km from Moscow. Prior to this tactical shift, these weapons had been used predominantly for precision strikes within Russian-occupied territories, marking a notable escalation in Ukraine’s military strategy. This decision coincided with the 1,000-day mark of the war and followed a reported approval from US President Joe Biden for Ukraine to utilize these long-range missiles on Russian soil.

The Storm Shadow cruise missile, developed collaboratively by the UK and France, possesses a remarkable range of 250 km and features advanced guidance systems that enhance its precision strikes. Weighing in at 1,300 kg, the missile executes a terrain-following flight path, making it particularly difficult to detect prior to impact. It utilizes GPS, onboard guidance, and infrared technology to ensure high accuracy against its targets. Storm Shadow missiles have a warhead design that allows for effective penetration of fortified structures, demonstrating their capability in tactical warfare. Moreover, ATACMS missiles, which are about 4 metres long, also exhibit significant technological advancements, including GPS guidance and a notable ability to release hundreds of bomblets upon deployment, making them formidable in terms of area saturation against enemy forces.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has long advocated for the use of advanced weaponry against Russian military assets, seeking to diminish Russia’s operational capabilities prior to frontline engagements. The UK has been receptive to this strategy, while also outlining a calibrated response to Russia’s military escalation, thereby allowing Ukraine to utilize Storm Shadow missiles earlier this year. French President Emmanuel Macron has similarly expressed a willingness to support Ukraine with long-range missile capabilities. However, the Biden administration initially hesitated, considering the potential for direct conflict escalation between the US and NATO with Russia should these weapons be employed.

Experts have indicated that while Ukraine’s ability to target deep within Russian territory could theoretically disrupt Russian operations, significant obstacles remain. A defense analyst noted that for significant impact, Ukraine would require a vast inventory of ATACMS, which it currently does not possess. Operational readiness, trained personnel, and overall military logistics present formidable challenges that cannot easily be resolved solely through the provision of more advanced weaponry from Western allies. The effectiveness of these strikes in altering the dynamics of the war remains uncertain, as Ukraine also grapples with sustaining its military forces amid ongoing pressure from Russian offensives.

The decision to shift tactics and use these long-range missiles directly on Russian territory also raises strategic questions about the potential repercussions of escalation. While Ukraine aims to impose higher costs on Russian military assets, the risk is that such actions could provoke a stronger military response from Russia and draw Western nations deeper into the conflict. The Biden administration’s cautious approach reflects an ongoing effort to balance support for Ukraine against the imperative of avoiding a broader war involving NATO and Russia directly.

Ultimately, Ukraine’s use of foreign-made missiles introduces a new chapter in its military efforts against Russian aggression. As the conflict continues, the implications of this strategic shift will likely resonate across the international stage, influencing both the battlefield dynamics and the geopolitical landscape. As Ukraine navigates these treacherous waters, the outcome will hinge on not only the effectiveness of its new armament capabilities but also the capacity to secure additional military support and manage the delicate balance of international relations amidst heightened tensions.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp Email

Keep Reading

Iranian missile strikes show Israel’s aerial defense array is not ironclad

Tech June 20, 2025

Japan advances in quantum race with world’s largest-class superconducting quantum computer

Tech June 20, 2025

SpaceX rocket explodes into giant fireball during tests, but no injuries reported

Tech June 19, 2025

Commission finds AliExpress in breach of illegal content rules

Tech June 18, 2025

Dutch government says children under age 15 should not use social media, citing health impacts

Tech June 18, 2025

EU slowly catching up with Korea, Japan on 5G: report

Tech June 16, 2025

Dutch online platform watchdog struggling to connect with other EU member states

Tech June 16, 2025

From plastics to sunscreen: The growing battle to tackle ocean pollution

Tech June 11, 2025

Apple’s WWDC 2025: Expect AI, translating AirPods and gaming app, but no tariff talk

Tech June 9, 2025

Editors Picks

Turkish President Erdogan warns against ‘new Sykes-Picot order’ in the Middle East

June 21, 2025

‘I’ve taken both my kids out of school during term-time – this is why system is flawed’

June 21, 2025

Red Arrows flightpath mapped – exact time you could see display above your house

June 21, 2025

Jack Betts dead: Friends and Spider-Man actor dies at home in his sleep, family announce

June 21, 2025

Latest News

Israel-Iran conflict enters its second week with fresh attacks despite Geneva talks

June 21, 2025

Fewer pilgrims and falling rates: Rome’s Jubilee tourist rental boom fails to materialise

June 21, 2025

Exact date sunsets will be before 8pm again after Summer Solstice

June 21, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest Europe and World news and updates directly to your inbox.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Instagram
2025 © Euro News Source. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Contact

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Sign In or Register

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below.

Lost password?