Brimstone 2 Missiles to Challenge Russian Forces' Dominance in Ukraine

Ukraine has confirmed that Britain has provided it with Brimstone 2 missiles to be fired from ground launchers making it one of the most advanced missiles given by the West to Kyiv.

“As part of its aid package, the UK has provided Brimstone 2 missiles, a precision-guided missile, to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This aid has played a crucial role in stalling Russian advancements,” UK defence ministry said in a tweet November 27.

With a range and precision unmatched by current missiles in Ukraine’s inventory, the Brimstone could destroy Russian artillery and command posts, helicopter bases and other forward-positioned assets.

While the range of Brimstone 2 is around 60km when launched from the air, its range from a ground launcher is not known. The missile’s range when fired from helicopter is 40km. However, the Brimstone 2 is one of the most accurate missiles in NATO arsenal and could prove a huge threat to Russian forces operating in Ukraine.

The UK Army has tested the surface-launched Brimstone from the Boxer armored vehicle and the Supacat truck. It is not clear what platform the Ukrainians will use to fire the Brimstone 2 missile from.

The aircraft was loaded at the RAF Brize Norton and unloaded at an unnamed airport. The transfer of the Brimstone 2 missiles to Ukraine was first reported around ten days ago, when the first photos of the cargo were released online.

Brimstone is a family of air-to-surface guided missiles developed by MBDA. The first generation Brimstone rocket is 1.8 m long and 180 mm in diameter. The missile has a 6.3 kg multifunctional tandem warhead that is capable of penetrating dynamic armor, with the missile weighing about 50 kg.

Brimstone 1 missiles, delivered to Kyiv by the UK, are being fired by Ukrainians from ground launchers. The guidance system uses millimeter wave radar and a semi-active laser. The maximum range of the first generation missile is 20 km.

In 2010, the Brimstone missile system was upgraded to Brimstone 2 as part of the SPEAR program. The missile received an improved homing head, modular design, an improved airframe, and updated software. This missile’s range was increased to 60km.