Ukraine–Russia

UK allows sharing of classified SCALP missile component data with Ukraine for local assembly

DIPLOMACY
Location
Ukraine
Actors
United Kingdom · Ukraine
Importance
Notable

During his first overseas visit on Ukrainian Independence Day, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that Britain has agreed defence firm MBDA can release classified technical information on UK components of the SCALP cruise missile, paving the way for French-Ukrainian assembly lines in Ukraine.

SCALP is the French-produced version of the UK's Storm Shadow cruise missile, built on shared British and French technology. The decision builds on the UK's 2023 choice to become the first country to supply Ukraine with long-range strike weapons. It was announced during Prime Minister Andy Burnham's first international trip, on Ukrainian Independence Day, ahead of an expected meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Verification: Confirmed

Evidence: Britain is 100% behind you: Prime Minister Andy Burnham visits Kyiv on Ukrainian Independence Day for first international trip, Russia reacts to UK sharing Storm Shadow blueprints with Ukraine

Official UK government press release corroborated by Kyiv Independent wire reporting.