Analysis: What is Storm Shadow missile, and could Ukraine use it to strike Moscow?

The Storm Shadow, also known as SCALP in France, is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile jointly developed by France and the U.K.

With a maximum range of 250 kilometers (155 miles), the missile is designed for high-precision strikes against strategic targets such as bunkers, command centers and ammunition storage facilities.

Manufactured by MBDA, the missile is equipped with advanced navigation systems combining GPS, inertial guidance, and terrain mapping. It follows a low-altitude path to avoid detection before climbing for a final approach, guided by an infrared seeker that matches the target image with stored data to ensure precision.

Can Ukraine hit Moscow with Storm Shadow?

The missile’s 250-kilometer range makes it effective for striking key targets in Russian-occupied territories, but not for reaching Moscow, which lies over 400 kilometers from the closest Ukrainian positions.

However, the missile’s strategic value lies in targeting critical infrastructure such as supply hubs, airfields, and command centers near the frontlines, disrupting Russian military operations. Its high precision makes it particularly effective for hitting well-protected or deeply buried targets.

How effective is Storm Shadow in Ukraine?

Since its deployment to Ukraine in May 2023, the Storm Shadow has demonstrated significant impact, with successful strikes against Russia’s logistical and military targets in occupied territories like Crimea.

In May 2023, the British Ministry of Defense confirmed the supply of long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles to help Ukraine counter Russian offensives.

Ukrainian forces have integrated the missile with their Su-24 bombers, enabling high-precision operations against hardened facilities and bridges crucial for Russian supply chains.

While Russia has reportedly intercepted some missiles, the weapon has proven difficult to counter due to its low-observable design and advanced guidance systems. Analysts suggest its use complicates Russian air defenses and adds pressure on logistics networks.

As for what difference an attack within Russia’s borders would make, Ukraine has been carrying out attacks within Russia’s borders with its own drones and similar platforms with lower warheads. The use of a costly system but effective such as Storm Shadow within Russian borders could cause much greater damage to Moscow within its own borders.

Type: Air launched long-range cruise missile	Weight: 1,300 kg
Country users: Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom	Range: 560 km or 250 km (export version)
Designer Country: France / United Kingdom	Speed: 1000 km/h, Mach 0.8-0.95 (depending on altitude)
Engine:Turbomeca Microturbo TRI 60-30 turbojet, producing 5.4 kN thrust	Guidance System: Inertial, GPS and TERPROM (terrain profile matching). Terminal guidance using imaging infrared digital scene matching area correlator (DSMAC)
Warhead: 450 kilograms BROACH	Dimensions: Length: 5.1 m; Diameter: 0.48 m; Wingspan: 3.0 m

Future implications of long-range missiles in Ukraine

The introduction of longer-range Western weapons like the Storm Shadow represents a shift in Ukraine’s military capabilities. By targeting rear bases and disrupting supply chains, these weapons force Russia to reposition assets farther from the front lines, increasing operational costs.

Weight: 1,300 kg	Propulsion: Turbojet
Length: 5.1 m	Navigation: INS, GPS and terrain reference navigation
Warhead: Blast/penetrator	Range: In excess of 250km

Despite their tactical advantages, missiles like the Storm Shadow are unlikely to shift the war’s overall trajectory. Limited stockpiles and high costs mean these weapons are deployed selectively, often in conjunction with cheaper drones to maximize effectiveness.

Several weapons have been hailed as “game changers” by the press, but no single weapon can fundamentally alter a conflict. While every weapon system has the potential to influence a conflict, expecting drastic changes is unrealistic.