Russian air defence downs Storm Shadow missiles, HIMARS rockets, drones

Over the past 24 hours, Russia's air defence systems successfully intercepted two Storm Shadow cruise missiles launched by Ukraine, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence.

The Ministry reported that the missiles, manufactured by the United Kingdom, were shot down as part of the ongoing efforts to defend Russian territory, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

The Ministry also confirmed the destruction of six US-made HIMARS rocket projectiles and 67 drone-type unmanned aerial vehicles during the same period. 

Meanwhile, Moscow has warned that the use of Western-made missiles to target Russian territory deep inside the country would constitute a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Kyiv, however, asserts that it needs the capability to strike Russian rear bases supporting Moscow’s invasion.

Russian war correspondents shared videos on Telegram, claiming to capture the sound of missiles striking the Kursk region, which borders northeastern Ukraine. At least 14 large explosions were heard, many preceded by the sharp whistle of what appeared to be incoming missiles. The footage, filmed in a residential area, showed black smoke rising in the distance.

The pro-Russian Telegram channel "Two Majors" claimed that Ukraine had launched up to 12 Storm Shadow missiles into the Kursk region, sharing images of missile debris bearing the Storm Shadow name.

In response to questions, a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declined to comment. Britain had previously permitted Ukraine to use Storm Shadows, which have a range of more than 250 kilometres (155 miles), within Ukrainian territory.

Kyiv has been pressing its Western allies for permission to use such weapons to target locations deep within Russia. This week, it secured approval from US President Joe Biden to deploy the ATACMS missile system—two months before he leaves office.

As tensions rose following Ukraine's missile strikes, the United States temporarily closed its embassy in Kyiv on Wednesday, citing the threat of a major air attack. The embassy was reopened the following day.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon announced a further $275 million in military aid to Ukraine on November 20, including additional ammunition for the HIMARS rocket system. 

By Aghakazim Guliyev