UK to allow release of classified SCALP missile data for Ukrainian assembly

The UK government will allow defence company MBDA to release classified information on British components used in the long-range SCALP missile, paving the way for Ukraine and France to establish local assembly lines for the weapon in Ukraine.

The decision will be announced as Prime Minister Andy Burnham travels to Ukraine on Monday, August 24, for his first overseas visit in the role. It is intended to support efforts by Kyiv and Paris to advance domestic production of the French-made missile, Caliber.Az reports via the UK government.

SCALP is the French-produced version of the UK's Storm Shadow, with both missiles incorporating French and British technology. The UK was the first country to provide Ukraine with long-range strike weapons for defensive purposes in 2023.

The move will complement the UK's efforts to develop low-cost, advanced long-range strike weapons for Ukraine through Project Brakestop.

“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.

During his visit to Kyiv, Burnham will participate in Ukraine's Independence Day events and co-chair his first meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, where participants will discuss continued UK support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia's invasion.

SCALP and Storm Shadow are low-observable, long-range, air-launched cruise missiles. Their development began in 1994 by Matra and British Aerospace, and the missiles are now manufactured by MBDA. The SCALP is based on the French Apache missile and differs from the Storm Shadow in its warhead configuration.

By Sabina Mammadli