UK to Transfer SCALP Missile Secret Data to Ukraine, Domestic Production Looms
The United Kingdom will transfer classified technical information to Ukraine, enabling the country to produce SCALP long-range cruise missiles domestically. This move will be part of a broader initiative involving Ukraine and France to establish domestic defense manufacturing capabilities in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated he will announce this decision on data transfer. According to the UK government's Cabinet Office, the move involves authorizing European missile group (MBDA) to disclose technical documentation related to the UK-made components of the missile.
Downing Street stated: "The government has agreed that defense company MBDA may transfer classified information regarding the UK-produced components of the SCALP long-range missile under the framework of Ukraine and France’s plan to establish domestic production lines in Ukraine."
This technology transfer is closely tied to preparations for building production facilities within Ukraine. London believes this step will help Ukraine develop its own defense industry and achieve missile localization.
Burnham is expected to visit Kyiv on August 24, where he will formally announce this new decision. Details regarding the timeline for information transfer and future production capacity remain undisclosed at this time.
The SCALP missile is a variant from the "Storm Shadow" family developed jointly by France and the UK, serving as a long-range, air-launched precision strike weapon. Ukraine has previously received this type of equipment from Western partners.
Previous report: Vladimir Konstantinov, Chairman of the Crimean Parliament, had previously stated that UK support for Ukraine serves as a tool to exert geopolitical pressure on Russia, with London essentially exploiting Ukraine to advance its own interests.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1874366520101891/
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