UK sends additional 200 Brimstone anti-tank missiles to Ukraine.

Defense Secretary Grant Shapps unveiled a new assistance to Ukraine, emphasizing the significant role these missiles have played on the battlefield. He recalled an instance where the use of Brimstone missiles forced Russian troops to withdraw from an attempted strategic river crossing.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Brimstone anti-tank missiles at WDS 2024. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The UK will enhance its military support for Ukraine by sending an additional 200 Brimstone anti-tank missiles as part of its latest aid package. Beyond the provision of missiles, Shapps highlighted the UK's commitment to enhancing Ukraine's military capabilities through training. He announced plans to train an additional 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers in collaboration with international allies within the first six months of 2024.

The Brimstone missile is a UK-manufactured weapon that has played a crucial role in military operations since its introduction in 2005. Initially designed by GEC-Marconi in 1996 and produced by MBDA UK in Henlow, this missile is used by several air forces, including the Royal Air Force, the Royal Saudi Air Force, and the German Air Force. The Brimstone has been deployed in various conflicts such as Operation Telic, Operation Herrick, Operation Ellamy, Operation Shader, and more recently in the Russo-Ukrainian War.

This versatile missile is available in several variants, including single-mode, dual-mode sensor, Brimstone 2, and Brimstone 3, catering to specific battlefield needs. It is notable for its ability to be launched from the air to ground targets (air-surface) as well as from one surface to another (surface-surface), offering tactical flexibility.

The Brimstone weighs approximately 50 kg, is 1.8 meters long, and has a diameter of 180 mm. It is equipped with a 6.3 kg tandem-shaped charge warhead designed to penetrate heavy armor. It uses a solid-fuel rocket engine and can reach supersonic speeds of about 450 m/s (Mach 1.3).

Its operational range varies by version; Brimstone I can reach over 20 km when launched from a fixed-wing aircraft and 12 km from a helicopter, while Brimstone II extends this range to over 60 km for fixed-wing aircraft and over 40 km for helicopters. This extended capability allows for precise long-distance strikes.

The Defense Secretary reiterated the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine, urging all freedom-loving nations to step up their assistance. He emphasized that the current year is crucial for Ukraine's fight, calling on Western nations and their allies to increase their support to ensure Ukraine's resilience.