For the first time in 15 years, France and its allies are resuming production of SCALP cruise missiles (analogous to Storm Shadow), which helped Ukraine defend itself against the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu wrote about this in his H.
What is known about the resumption of SCALP missile production
Lecornu said that the resumption will take place this year, 2025. He emphasized that the Franco-British missiles delivered to Ukraine have demonstrated their effectiveness in modern high-intensity combat operations.
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“The joint venture between France, Great Britain, Italy and Germany, which will produce the missiles, is a symbol of Europe’s leading defense industry,” the minister wrote.
Characteristics of the SCALP cruise missile
This missile has an export version with a shorter range and a smaller warhead. However, the classic long-range SCALP has the following characteristics:
- rocket length – 5.1 m,
- the diameter of its body is 630 mm,
- rocket weight – 1300 kg,
- operational range – 560 km,
- Microturbo TRI-60-30 engine,
- payload 400 kg,
- fly at low altitudes of 30-40 m above the surface.
These are air-to-ground class aircraft missiles that are used to destroy important stationary targets that are well protected by air defense systems.
They can operate at any time of day, in any weather and under electronic countermeasures.
How Ukraine Used Long-Range SCALP
In 2023, the Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, hinted that the Ukrainian military could have used Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles to attack the maritime and port infrastructure of the Zaliv shipyard in occupied Kerch, where one of the ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, a carrier of Kalibr cruise missiles, was stationed.
Let us recall that France transferred long-range SCALP to Ukraine in 2023. In July, it was reported that 50 such missiles had been transferred to the Defense Forces.
And already in January 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the delivery of another 40 units of such missiles.
Source: Sebastian Lecornu
Photo: Sebastian Lecornu
