France is resuming production of SCALP/Storm Shadow cruise missiles in cooperation with allies for the first time in 15 years. These missiles have demonstrated high efficiency since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. About this reported Minister of Defense of France Sebastien Lecornu.
“Production of SCALP missiles to equip our armed forces will resume in 2025, 15 years after our last order,” – said the minister.
According to him, the Franco-British SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles transferred to Ukraine have proven their effectiveness in modern combat conditions of high intensity.
“The joint venture of France, Britain, Italy and Germany, which will produce missiles, is a symbol of Europe’s leading defense industry”, – added Lecornyu.
France first handed over long-range SCALP to Ukraine in 2023. In July of that year, it became known that the Defense Forces would receive 50 missiles, and already in January 2024, President Emmanuel Macron announced the delivery of another 40 units.
SCALP EG is an air-to-ground cruise missile designed to attack important stationary objects that have enhanced protection by air defense systems. It is able to operate in any weather conditions, at any time of the day, as well as in conditions of intensive radio-electronic warfare.
The missile was developed on the basis of the French KR Apache by the European company MBDA on the order of the defense ministries of France and Great Britain. The first successful tests took place in December 2000, and it was put into service in 2003. Countries operating SCALP EG also include Italy, Greece, Egypt, Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
