The transfer of individual technologies linked to SCALP cruise missiles to Ukraine is unlikely to create a fundamentally new threat for the Russian military, air defense expert and historian Yuri Knutov told NEWS.ru.
Knutov questioned whether Western countries would be prepared to give Kiev a full license to manufacture the missiles. He said a more realistic scenario would involve sharing technologies related to specific components, including engines and guidance systems — areas where Ukraine currently faces serious difficulties.
According to the expert, access to such solutions could significantly improve the accuracy of Ukrainian cruise missiles. At the same time, he argued that this would not amount to a critical threat to the Russian Armed Forces.
Knutov noted that Russian forces have previously intercepted British Storm Shadow missiles, with several reportedly falling on Russian territory in relatively intact condition. That gave specialists an opportunity to examine elements of their design, he said.
The expert also pointed out that France and Britain are already developing a new generation of cruise missiles and guidance systems. Against that backdrop, the possible transfer of some SCALP technologies to Kiev would not be unexpected.
He added that both French SCALP and British Storm Shadow missiles have repeatedly been intercepted by Russian forces, which, in his assessment, demonstrates their vulnerability.
Moscow maintains that continued Western arms deliveries to Kiev obstruct efforts toward a peaceful settlement and directly involve NATO countries in the armed conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has previously said that any shipments carrying weapons for Kiev would be regarded as legitimate targets for the Russian Armed Forces.