Scalp Missiles

France Resumes SCALP Missile Production After 15 Years Amid Ukraine War and Strategic Needs

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.

Read More

France Authorizes Long-Range Missile Strikes on Russia

France has implicitly authorized Ukraine to use French-made Scalp missiles against Russia, citing self-defense, mirroring similar decisions by the US and UK; the missiles’ deployment remains unconfirmed. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot advocates for unrestricted Western support for Ukraine, rejecting the imposition of limitations. In response to this escalation, Russia plans increased production of its new hypersonic Oreshnik missile, capable of striking European targets.

Read More