Storm Shadow returns: MBDA restarts SCALP missile Ukraine used to hit Russian command
France says Storm Shadow missile production at MBDA’s UK site restarts this year. The long-range air-launched missile has been actively used by Ukraine in strikes against Russian targets.
SCALP/Storm Shadow production to resume in 2025 after long pause
France is restarting production of the Storm Shadow missile—known in France as SCALP EG—in partnership with the United Kingdom. French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that manufacturing will resume in 2025, 15 years after the last order. The missiles will be produced at MBDA’s facility in Stevenage, England.
Lecornu made the statement during a visit to the UK site alongside his British counterpart, John Healey on 9 July.
“Supplied to Ukraine, the Franco-British SCALP/Storm Shadow missile has demonstrated its effectiveness in modern high-intensity combat, in decisive situations,” he said.
The SCALP/Storm Shadow has played a prominent role in Ukraine’s defense against Russia, striking hardened targets far behind the front line.
MBDA reactivates line for joint missile project
The missile is manufactured by MBDA, a joint venture of France, the UK, Italy, and Germany.
France’s Senate had outlined plans to order new munitions, including SCALP missiles, in December 2024.
Air-launched weapon designed to hit fortified targets
SCALP/Storm Shadow is a long-range air-launched cruise missile designed for deep strikes against heavily defended and fixed targets such as command bunkers. The missile weighs up to 1,300 kg, including a 450 kg warhead, and measures 5.1 meters in length.
The export version has a declared range of over 250 km, while domestic variants used by France and the UK can reach up to 560 km. The French and British models differ slightly in software and aircraft compatibility, but are otherwise identical.
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