France Opposes EU Plan to Buy British Storm Shadow Missiles for Ukraine

January 27, 2026 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1769512890425-2193

EU Loan Scheme Faces Resistance from France Over UK Production Line

A report by The Telegraph claims that France has opposed an EU plan to allow Ukraine to use EU-backed loans to buy British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles. The proposal, part of a €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan for 2026-27, aims to strengthen Europe’s defense industrial base while keeping Ukraine supplied. However, France is reportedly pushing back on the idea that EU money should be easily spent on UK production lines, even when an EU production line exists for the same capability. This opposition may indicate a desire to maintain control over its own defense industrial base.

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Key Takeaways

France opposes EU plan to use UK-made Storm Shadow missiles.
Ukraine needs €24 billion in military equipment by 2026.
Storm Shadow is a long-range cruise missile with precision strikes against high-value targets.

MBDA France Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

Strategic Implications

This opposition may indicate France’s desire to maintain control over its own defense industrial base. The EU loan scheme could benefit Ukraine, but France’s concerns suggest that the UK’s Storm Shadow production line might not be able to meet demand quickly enough. This could lead to a reevaluation of the EU’s approach to supporting Ukraine’s military modernization.