Italy sent Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine during the ongoing war, UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has revealed. The air-launched MBDA missile was first delivered to Ukraine by the UK in May 2023 and then by France. “I do think the Storm Shadow has been an extraordinary weapon,” The Times quoted Shapps as saying. “It’s the UK, France and Italy positioning those weapons for use, particularly in Crimea. These weapons are making a very significant difference.”
Rome, however, has not announced the delivery of the missile to Ukraine. An Italian defense ministry spokesperson declined to respond to Shapps’ remarks, according to Defense News. A total of 200 Storm Shadows were bought by Italy in 1999. Rome reportedly deployed the missiles during NATO operations in Libya in 2011.
Last year, Italy announced delivery of the SAMP/T air defense system to Ukraine in coordination with France. Earlier this year, the Italian parliament approved extending military support to Ukraine through 2024. The content of the weapons package was confidential. However, Rome reportedly plans to send Stinger surface-to-air missiles, mortars, and Milan or Panzerfaust anti-tank weapons, Browning heavy machine guns, and PzH 2000 howitzers and vehicles.
