Ukraine has received approval from the United Kingdom and France to manufacture Storm Shadow missiles
Ukraine has received positive responses from the United Kingdom and France regarding the transfer of technology and licenses necessary for the production of SCALP/Storm Shadow long-range missiles. The next step will be for technical teams to agree on a specific timeline for implementing the project.
According to Zelenskyy, a few days ago he discussed the issue of SCALP production with French President Emmanuel Macron. The French leader confirmed his readiness to resolve the issue regarding the missiles and the corresponding license. After that, Ukraine awaited a decision from the United Kingdom.
“We received a positive response from both countries yesterday. Now everything will fall into place. I truly believe that this won’t get bogged down in the bureaucracy of our countries. We will take action,” Zelenskyy said.
The next step will be negotiations between Ukrainian, British, and French technical teams, who will determine specific timelines for implementing the agreements.
On August 24, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed that London had agreed to transfer to Ukraine the technologies necessary for the production of Storm Shadow/SCALP. The British and French defense industries are to collaborate with Ukraine to establish the necessary production capacity.
Back in July, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Paris would grant Ukraine licensing rights to produce SCALP missiles, as well as Aster-30 interceptor missiles and AASM Hammer air-to-ground bombs.
Separately, Zelenskyy spoke about work on the Ukrainian anti-ballistic system FREYJA.
According to him, within seven to ten days, Ukraine expects to receive a timeline for further work on the project. This should help identify the stages where delays are occurring, as well as the companies and countries that can help resolve them.
The president also announced that Norway has confirmed 9 billion in funding for Ukraine in 2027. Part of the cooperation with Oslo is planned to be directed toward the development of the FREYJA project.
Earlier, former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that Ukraine was negotiating with France regarding the transfer of licenses for the production of SCALP missiles. The process was complicated by intellectual property issues and bureaucratic procedures.
Subsequently, Emmanuel Macron announced that France had approved the licensed production of SCALP and Aster 30 missiles, as well as AASM air-to-ground bombs, for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this during a joint press conference with Estonian President Alar Karis.
During his first visit to Kyiv, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed readiness to grant Ukraine access to classified information related to the British components of SCALP missiles.
Russia may resort to “paramilitary actions” against the United Kingdom to force London to cease its military support for Ukraine. Kremlin adviser Andrei Fedorov made this statement.
