The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has been a major challenge for the Ukrainian people and their government. Since the beginning of the conflict , the United Kingdom has been one of Ukraine’s most steadfast supporters, providing vital assistance and support in a range of areas.
Here is a list of the some aid supplied by the UK to Ukraine, along with the quantity of each item:
- Javelin anti-tank missile system launchers and missiles
- LMM (Lightweight Multirole Missile) missiles
- Starstreak missiles
- Small arms ammunition rounds
- Large calibre ammunition for artillery and mortars rounds.
UK has also supplied Ukraine with light, anti-armour, defensive weapon systems as well as an additional defensive package of body armour, helmets and combat boots.
Now, U.K is thinking to send it’s long range missiles to Ukraine, the final descision will be taken soon. But sending long range missiles to Ukraine can be tricky as it might increase Russian aggression. Russia has a history of responding harshly to what it perceives as threats to its security, and the deployment of UK missiles in Ukraine could be viewed as such a threat.
Let’s see below what Missile options does U.K have.
| Range | Launch System | Missile Type |
|---|---|---|
| Over 1,000 miles (1,600 km) | Submarines and surface ships | Tomahawk (subsonic cruise missile) |
| Approximately 250 miles (400 km) | Aircraft | Storm Shadow (air-launched cruise missile) |
| Approximately 140 miles (220 km) | Aircraft | SPEAR 3 (precision-guided missile) |
| Between 60-70 nautical miles (110-130 km) (Block II and Block II+ versions) Up to 150 nautical miles (280 km) (Block III version) |
Ships, submarines, and aircraft | Harpoon (all-weather, anti-ship missile) |
It will be really interesting to see how Russians air defense systems will take these long range missiles, as Russia’s air defence systems are known to be one of the best air defense systems.
