❌

Vue lecture

✇Euromaidan Press
↗️

Storm Shadow returns: MBDA restarts SCALP missile Ukraine used to hit Russian command

Par :Yuri Zoria

storm shadow returns mbda restarts scalp missile ukraine used hit russian command french armed forces minister sébastien lecornu uk defence secretary john healey tour mbda’s stevenage facility where shadow/scalp missiles

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. 

Ukraine has used Storm Shadow missiles effectively against Russian military infrastructure during its full-scale defense against Russia’s invasion. Combined with naval and aerial drone attacks, Storm Shadow strikes played a critical role in destroying multiple vessels of the Russian Black Sea Fleet (BSF) and forcing the remainder to withdraw from the northwestern Black Sea. The same missiles were used to destroy the BSF HQ in occupied Crimea. 

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. 

According to the defense-focused outlet Militarnyi, some of the new missiles may not only replenish French and British stockpiles but could also be supplied to Ukraine. While Lecornu did not confirm future recipients, previous shipments to Ukraine suggest continued deliveries are possible.

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.

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. Become a patron or see other ways to support. 
❌