This is reported by The Times, citing the words of the Minister of Defense of the United Kingdom, Grant Shapps.
As noted by The Times, cruise missiles are currently being used with devastating effect against russian forces in occupied Crimea, where they have destroyed submarines, bridges, and critically important targets.
Read more: Ukrainian Military Strikes Command Post and High-Ranking russian Officers in Occupied Crimea
“I do think the Storm Shadow has been an extraordinary weapon,” Shapps says. “It’s the UK, France and Italy positioning those weapons for use, particularly in Crimea. These weapons are making a very significant difference.”
Against the backdrop of increased defense spending, the minister aims for defense companies within the kingdom to ramp up production rates.
To achieve this, he plans to invest in expanding production capacities, thereby providing both Britain and Ukraine with the capability to deliver devastating strikes with these missiles.
According to the publication, "Shapps wants defense companies such as MBDA to be placed on what he describes as a “war footing” to help Britain confront an ever more dangerous world."
The assembly of Storm Shadow missiles takes place at the British company MBDA UK, located near the town of Stevenage. There, the missiles are assembled from individual parts produced by France, Britain, and Italy. As stated in the article, the cost of one Storm Shadow missile amounts to £2.2 million.
Read more: Long-Range Weapons, Air Defense, Artillery: Key Priorities Announced for Ukraine at Ramstein Meeting
