(KYIV, UKRAINE) – The United Kingdom has approved a licence allowing Ukraine to manufacture Storm Shadow cruise missiles domestically, marking a significant expansion of Western defence cooperation as the country marks its 35th Independence Day.
The British Prime Minister confirmed the decision during a visit to Kyiv, where leaders from Baltic and Nordic nations gathered to demonstrate solidarity. The technology transfer involves British and French industry partners working directly with Ukrainian manufacturers to establish production capabilities for the long-range precision weapons.
“Ukraine has now asked that we share our Storm Shadow technology so that Ukraine can build these capabilities themselves. I am pleased to confirm today that I have approved that request,” the Prime Minister stated. “British and French industry will now work with Ukraine to take this capability forward. We need to stop Russia launching missiles in the first place.”
The announcement coincided with the European Commission unlocking €6.1 billion (£5.2 billion / $6.7 billion) in defence loans for Ukraine. These funds, part of the EU’s broader €90 billion (£76.5 billion / $99 billion) loan facility, are designated for air defence systems, missiles, and other critical weaponry required ahead of the winter period.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the financial package, which Kyiv intends to allocate toward interceptors for Patriot batteries and other air defence assets that have faced severe ammunition shortages.
The licensing arrangement does not constitute an immediate solution. Military analysts emphasise that transferring technical specifications and establishing domestic production lines requires considerable time, though Ukraine has consistently demonstrated capacity to accelerate industrial development timelines.
French President Emmanuel Macron separately pledged additional SAMP/T air defence batteries and accompanying interceptors, manufactured jointly with Italian partners. Ukrainian officials anticipate these deliveries arriving in autumn, preparing for what is expected to be another intense winter of Russian missile bombardment.
The presence of European leaders in Kyiv contrasted sharply with the absence of United States officials. Special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner postponed their scheduled visit, citing security concerns following recent Russian missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital. European representatives chose to proceed with their visits despite the demonstrated risks.
Overnight Russian strikes killed at least eight people and wounded 43 others across Ukraine, underscoring the persistent threat to civilian populations. The attacks come as Ukraine experiences its fifth Independence Day under full-scale invasion, with martial law prohibiting mass public gatherings.
Ukrainians marked the occasion through informal observances, including family visits to exhibitions and smaller community events. The Motherland Monument in Kyiv served as a focal point where citizens reflected on the significance of the day.
“We celebrate quietly, joyfully with pleasant walks like this and in a good mood and with faith in victory,” one visitor told reporters. Another added, “Right now we are fighting to be independent. It comes at a heavy price but it is our choice and no one will take it away from us.”
More than 12 years of Ukraine’s 35 years of independence have been spent waging war against Russia for that very independence, a reality that weighs heavily on the national consciousness.
In a separate defence development, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Norway signed a deal worth €8 billion (£6.8 billion / $8.8 billion) for the procurement of Polish Piorun man-portable air-defence systems. The agreement represents the first joint procurement under the EU’s SAFE defence loan scheme.
“80 percent of the Piorun systems ordered under the agreement will be delivered to the Polish armed forces,” confirmed the Polish defence ministry. The system, manufactured by the Polish Armaments Group, has a production capacity of 1,500 interceptors per year and has been successfully deployed in Ukraine since 2022.
The Piorun system is currently in service with Sweden, Belgium, Estonia, North Macedonia, and Ukraine, with additional allied nations expressing interest in procurement.
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