By John Q. Hosedrinker 
France will restart production of the SCALP cruise missile in 2025, fifteen years after the last order, to replenish stocks depleted by supplying the missile to Ukraine. The Franco-British SCALP/Storm Shadow, which has shown effectiveness in combat, will be produced at MBDA’s facility in the UK. Alongside the production announcement, the countries launched the next development phase of the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW), the upgraded version of the SCALP/Storm Shadow. This program, expected to generate numerous skilled jobs, aims to replace current missile systems with subsonic and supersonic missile concepts.
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France to Resume SCALP Missile Production After 15 Years – now that’s a headline with some serious implications. It’s been a while since the SCALP missile, also known as the Storm Shadow, rolled off the assembly line in significant numbers, and the decision to restart production is a pretty big deal. These are, after all, proven missiles, a joint project between the UK and France, that have demonstrated their effectiveness in the field. They aren’t just theoretical weapons; they’ve been used in combat and have a track record.
France to Resume SCALP Missile Production After 15 Years means a lot in the current geopolitical climate. The existing inventory of these missiles has been significantly depleted, primarily due to support for Ukraine. These missiles have been a game changer in the conflict, proving remarkably effective against a wide range of targets. It makes absolute sense to get production back up to speed, as quickly as possible, to maximize the output before the successor missile, a next-generation system, becomes available. Why wait years for something new when a battle-tested weapon can be produced now? The situation in Ukraine isn’t exactly winding down, and increasing the supply of SCALPs would allow France to continue providing Ukraine with a powerful weapon.
France to Resume SCALP Missile Production After 15 Years also has wider strategic implications. Even if the war in Ukraine were to suddenly end, Russia’s continued military buildup would necessitate France having a robust missile arsenal. In the coming years, there is no situation where having more of these missiles isn’t an advantage for France. Beyond immediate concerns, the potential to sell SCALP missiles to other nations is also a consideration. Think about the democracies of Southeast Asia. If tensions were to rise in that region, countries could very quickly find themselves in need of weapons and ready to make some significant purchases. It makes economic sense for France.
France to Resume SCALP Missile Production After 15 Years is a particularly welcome move for some of their allies, like Greece, who have been using these missiles for years and were eager to see the naval version deployed on their ships and submarines. This commitment shows that France is prioritizing its national security and the security of its allies. The SCALP missile is a key element of security for many nations, and its demonstrated effectiveness in Ukraine only underscores its importance as a strategic weapon.
France to Resume SCALP Missile Production After 15 Years is, therefore, not just a matter of restocking; it’s a strategic investment. The war has exposed the shortcomings of some of Russia’s military technology, and the SCALP has been a stark contrast. The West is constantly driven to innovate and maintain technological superiority, so it makes sense to produce reliable, proven weapons like the SCALP, while waiting for the next generation of missiles to be developed. It’s about having a good, proven system available in greater numbers, ready to meet the needs of the present, while the future is still being developed.
France to Resume SCALP Missile Production After 15 Years signifies the practicality of going with what works. There’s no point in waiting for a more advanced and expensive missile if the existing one has proven itself. The British, with their own production capabilities, can work in tandem to achieve economies of scale and build up a domestic reserve of a proven system. The war has proven the effectiveness of the SCALP.
France to Resume SCALP Missile Production After 15 Years also reflects the dynamic nature of the defense industry. The shift is being driven by the increased demand and turbulent times, allowing France to capitalize on an opportunity to gain significant revenue. The strategy for France to supply these missiles and for their allies to use them is a smart military and economic move.