Storm Shadow and Oreshnik Missiles in the Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Storm Shadow Missile

Overview:

• Name: Known as Storm Shadow in the UK and SCALP-EG in France.
• Type: Low-observable, long-range, air-launched cruise missile.
• Development: Jointly developed by the United Kingdom and France.
• Range: Over 250 kilometers, making it a potent standoff weapon.
• Primary Use: Targeting high-value stationary targets such as:
  • Airbases
  • Radar installations
  • Communication hubs
  • Port facilities

Guidance and Targeting:

• Navigation Systems:
  • Inertial Navigation System (INS)
  • GPS (Global Positioning System)
  • Terrain Referencing: Enables low-altitude flight to avoid detection.
• Targeting:
  • Equipped with an infrared seeker that matches real-time target imagery with pre-loaded images for precise strikes.

Operational Use:

• Aircraft Compatibility:
  Operated by advanced aircraft like:
  • Eurofighter Typhoon
  • Dassault Rafale
  • Mirage 2000
  • Tornado GR4
• Global Operators:
  Used by the air forces of Egypt, India, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

Oreshnik Missile

Overview:

• Type: Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM).
• Developed by: Russia.
• Payload:
  • Capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads.

Range and Capability:

• Range: Estimated to be around 5,500 kilometers, placing it at the upper limit of IRBM classification.
• Speed: Achieves hypersonic speeds, making it difficult to intercept with conventional missile defense systems.
• Manoeuvrability:
  • Capable of mid-flight manoeuvres, enhancing its ability to evade missile defenses.

Combat Use:

• First Deployment:
  Used for the first time in combat during the 2024 Russo-Ukrainian War in retaliation to Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow missiles.

Design Foundation:

• Based on the technology of the RS-26 Rubezh, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), known for its long-range capabilities and precision.

Comparison: Storm Shadow vs Oreshnik

Feature	Storm Shadow	Oreshnik
Type	Cruise Missile	Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM)
Range	Over 250 km	Around 5,500 km
Speed	Subsonic (low flight)	Hypersonic
Payload	Conventional	Nuclear/Conventional
Guidance System	Inertial, GPS, Terrain Referencing	Inertial, GPS, Hypersonic Maneuvering
Primary Use	Precision strikes on stationary targets	Regional deterrence, theatre-level operations
Operators	UK, France, India, Egypt, etc.	Russia

Strategic Implications

1. Storm Shadow:
   • Provides Ukraine with a long-range, precision-strike capability to target Russian military infrastructure and command centers.
   • Its ability to avoid detection and engage high-value targets increases Ukraine’s strategic depth.
2. Oreshnik:
   • Represents Russia’s shift towards hypersonic weaponry, capable of bypassing conventional missile defense systems.
   • Its deployment signals an escalation in the conflict, emphasizing Russia’s focus on regional deterrence and the potential for theatre-level warfare.

Way Forward

• Missile Defense Systems: Nations may focus on developing advanced missile defense systems to counter emerging hypersonic threats like the Oreshnik.
• Arms Control Agreements: The conflict highlights the need for renewed international dialogue on arms control and the regulation of hypersonic weapons to prevent further escalation.