Today's video release by the Ukrainian Air Force not only offers the first officially published glimpse of the Storm Shadow / SCALP cruise missiles in actual combat use from a Su-24 tactical bomber. On top of that, this footage reveals the safe launch distance used for these missiles.
In the frame below, you can see the Olshanska correctional colony No. 53 in the Mykolaiv Region. Two cruise missiles were launched from just above this facility.
Read more: The Ukrainian Air Force Releases First Public Footage of the Storm Shadow Missile Launches
From this, we can infer that the launch area for the Storm Shadow / SCALP in this particular instance was approximately 80 to 90 km from the frontline. Given that the Su-24 released the missiles without performing a self-protection maneuver, with a quick turnaround and retreat on afterburner, this distance is apparently considered safe.
The exact target of this attack is unknown. However, for context, here are the distances to some key Russian facilities in Crimea previously struck by Storm Shadow missiles: about 270 km from the Saky military airbase, and approximately 310–320 km from Belbek airfield and Sevastopol Bay, where the Russian naval fleet was stationed until recently.
It's important to note that cruise missiles do not typically travel in a straight line to their target. Instead, they follow a complex route programmed into their navigation system, allowing them to avoid enemy air defenses.
For example, if a Storm Shadow were launched toward the Saky airbase from this location, it would need to cover a route exceeding 300 km. Although the exact range of the Storm Shadow / SCALP is not publicly disclosed, the manufacturer claims it is "in excess of 250 km."
In addition to showcasing the Storm Shadow / SCALP in combat for the first time, the video also features the release of SDB and JDAM-ER smart bombs, AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missiles, as well as Ukrainian surface-based air defense and electronic warfare systems, their operators, helicopters, mobile fire groups, and more.
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